Daily Wisdom 06-01-2002 Out of Shape

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Out of Shape

Since this past summer, I've encountered more difficult situations in that short time, than I have in the past several years. Within the last six months, I came down with a non-life threatening yet irritating virus which constantly left me weak and tired. My son was also in and out of the hospital with unexplained continual vomiting and weight loss, so, of course, despite my own physical state, I was right there by his side to sleep in a spare hospital bed next to his. I've also been dealing with two very hormonal teens who seem to be in the midst of teenage rebellion, not to mention, two family members who recently announced they are getting a divorce.

I should know from experience that, during these stressful times, is when I need to ensure my mind, body, and spirit connection is even more strong, but, sad to say, I did just the opposite, allowing myself to fall terribly out of shape. Not only did I break from my gym routine, but also I even stopped my daily walks. It's not that I gained so much weight; only a few pounds actually, but I feel my decline in health most in my muscles, which are no longer strong and firm, but soft and mushy.

While I don't feel emotionally eager to hit the gym, deep down in my heart, I know it is exactly what I need to get those juices flowing and muscles pumping. So, today, I'm going to stuff my shorts and bathing suit in to my gym bag, and force my self back to health. I know it will be hard, and my muscles will scream every step of the way, but I have no one to blame but myself.

Funny how easy it is to fall out of shape isn't it? Keep in mind, I am not solely referring to physical shape, either, but emotional and spiritual shape as well. As you can see from my own above revelation, just as a state of ill-health can subtly creep up on you if you are not careful, so too, can small neglects and bad choices pull us farther away from a fulfilling relationship with God.

Thankfully, I am only left to roll my eyes at some flabby thighs and arms, but what about the folks who sink so low in to ungodliness, that their spirit suffers an even more devastating loss?

It is not too late to hit the gym, and it is not too late to call out to God.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr