The hammer and the anvil, the two pieces of equipment that are used to shape weapons and tools. The purpose of these is pretty well understood. The anvil, the stationary immovable object on which the piece of metal rests as it’s struck by the hammer. The hammer, the tool swung to shape and sharpen the metal into the final product. We’ve also talked about the relationship between those tools and our personal lives. The anvil, who we are at our core, our character traits, and our unmovable and unshakable base. The hammer, the choices, and decisions we make that shape and sharpen us to be the best version of ourselves. But see there’s one missing piece that we have not discussed… the blacksmith. The person swinging the hammer to strike the metal.
There’s a show on Netflix/History channel called Forged in Fire. It’s a show where talented blacksmiths put their skills to the test in front of judges who are considered masters in the blacksmith world. I used to watch this show a lot when I was younger and just recently watched an episode or two. It got me thinking about this idea that just as those skilled blacksmiths are being judged by a panel of masters, we too will be judged, hypothetically.
I began to wonder, and I’ll ask you the two questions that popped into my head; Who’s the metaphorical blacksmith swinging the hammer, or making the decisions in your life? And what would the deciding factor be of your blacksmithing attempts when put under the microscope? The answer to the first question may be fairly obvious to some, but to others, it may take some thought. You can be and should be the blacksmith to your life. The second question is not as easy and definitely will take some investigating.
Now, as easy as the first answer may be, the idea behind that may not be as simple. I want us to dive into this idea from a perspective viewpoint and consider the mindset we have to have to make the decisions and choices that shape the best version of ourselves. I believe there are external forces, whether societal or spiritual that guide our perspective and guide the striking of our hammer. These influences can be good and/or bad and it’s important we discern and decipher the difference to allow us for maximum growth and maximum striking ability of our hammer. Which in turn will lead us to the answer to the second question above.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I can share the influence I have felt personally and try to show how that has impacted me as a metaphorical blacksmith. My faith has been the most pivotal force in my ability to effectively shape the best version of me. I kind of look at it as God is the master blacksmith of my life and I’m the apprentice. My spiritual relationship allows me to have all the skills and resources I need at my disposal but also forces me to have the responsibility to make my own decisions and choose the path I want to pursue.
This is so important not to pass up because, though we can talk about the hammer and the anvil and the meanings behind those objects, and we can talk about our skill as the blacksmith, our decisions and choices are ultimately going to be looked at. Maybe for you, it’s your boss at work or your coach on the field. To relate back to my personal life, for me God is the judge, the master blacksmith. I’ll have to present my work in front of him with the hopes of hearing “well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).
Now the final piece to a blacksmith that I believe is so important is the determination and never-give-up mindset. To become a master one must perfect the skill and that takes practice and dedication. The verse above it continues to say, “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” That dedication and mentality are what allows us to shape the best version of ourselves and become the master blacksmith of our life. Be encouraged that you can do it. That you have the resources and skill set. It’s time to put it to the test. Strike the hammer precisely and strong and trust in the stability of your anvil.
WORKOUT
When it comes to our workouts we must be like a blacksmith, with a never-give-up attitude. The repetition of continually striking our hammer to shape the best version of ourselves can be exemplified in the repetition of a workout.
For this week’s workout, we are going to focus on consistent repetition. To do so we are going to do an AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) workout which allows for maximum reps of each exercise in the given time.
AMRAP Set-Up
Set a timer for 1 minute. Perform each exercise for As Many Reps As Possible. Go through blocks 1-4, rest for one minute, and repeat 2-3x.
Warm-up
Block 1
-Air Squats
-Frog Jump forward, backpedal back to starting position
-Wall Sits
Block 2
-Burpees
-Push-ups
-Plank Holds
Block 3
-Squat Step Backs
-Inch Worms
-Alternating Stationary Lunges
Block 4
-Leg Raises (both legs)
-Crunches
-Russian Twist
Cool Down
Hammer and Anvil 