Last Christmas my family gave me a gift membership at a local gym. Every time I went there, I couldn’t help noticing a man who was working out with what seemed an exaggerated effort, almost with an expression of rage.
One day we exchanged a few friendly words, and I expressed my astonishment at his diligence. That’s when he told me he was unemployed. As a 55-year-old computer scientist, he felt his endeavors to find a job were being hindered by his age. Channeling his energies at the gym was his way of avoiding discouragement.
I concluded our brief conversation by saying I was sure something positive and constructive would unfold for him. But I wanted to do more than just share kind words. When I returned home that day, I felt impelled to correct my own thinking about this issue, especially after having been asked to pray for someone else who was having a similar difficulty.
