Stretching

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience-Colossians 1:9-11

At Book Club last night, we strayed a little from the subject matter... not exactly unusual for a women's book club :) .  Anyway, we got to talking about stretching.  Joan has been doing simple stretching exercises for years and recently I've been dabbling in some beginner's yoga.  We talked about how good stretching is for overall health.  I have been amazed at the energy it releases.  Try it... right now.  If you're sitting down, simply extend one leg straight out and stretch from the hip to the tip of your toes, flexing and pointing, flexing and pointing.... ahhhh... the muscles you stretch feel great, but you also feel it deeper, don't you?  Don't you feel a little wave of energy?  Now imagine stretching most of your muscles like that every morning.  What a great way to start the day!


Now imagine giving your spiritual muscles a little stretch every morning.  Reflect on some scripture and spend some time in prayer... speaking AND listening.  Finish up with your favorite hymn or song of praise.  Wow... doesn't that feel great?  You've connected with God and as you begin your day, you don't leave Him behind, but feel His presence with you.  You've stretched those spiritual muscles and feel it deeper than the effort seems to ask for.


Like physical exercise, we know good spiritual habits are good for us and make us feel great.  And yet we find excuse after excuse not to do it.  


During Advent this daily stretching is more important than every.  Our spiritual muscles are being assaulted with commercialism and stress and being way, way, way too busy trying to have the "fun" we are supposed to be having this time of year.


Let's make a daily spiritual stretch our Advent gift to ourselves!


Lord,
When we do it, we are so glad we have spent time with you and in your word.  It makes us feel so much better and gives a that lift we need to start the day.  Help us to look forward to our time with you rather than make excuses to skip it.  Amen.


Joys:  Fun at Book Club; a day off; stretching