Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A Good Stretch

Stretching is one of those things that are good for us. Before exercising we stretch so that our muscles are loosened. The purpose is so that we don’t get hurt while exercising.

During a baseball game there is the seven inning stretch. The fans get up out of their seats and stretch. In case you’re curious this tradition started with President Taft in 1910. Being a heavy man and sitting in a small wooden stadium seat was not a good combination. He got up to stretch his legs. Everyone in the stadium thought he was leaving so they got up also out of respect. The rest is history.

Sometimes when my back stiffens nothing feels better than stretching my it out. It cracks a bit but that makes it feel great. So stretching is a good thing, right?

Then why is it when God stretches us we give Him a hard time?

In about a month I’m going to be part of a team of teachers. We’re teaching a class over a period of a couple of days. Preparing for this class is stretching me. God is doing this and it’s a good thing. It doesn’t always feel that way. I have no trouble speaking in front of people. I love meeting new people and am very outgoing. But put a notebook in front of me and place me in front of a class of people . . . well let the stretching begin.

Stretching when God does it is not always a comfortable feeling. It may be a bit scary or a lot scary. The bottom line is that it’s good for our muscles. It prevents us from getting cramped. So Lord, go ahead and stretch me, but remind me when I start to complain how good it is for me.

© Nadine Z. 2007

15 comments:

~Crystal~ said...

Great post! I'm doing some stretching to these days.
Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving those encouraging words. I'm enjoying your blog as well. Do you mind if I link you to mine?

Art said...

That's a great point. I have learned far more from "teaching" my Sunday School class and preparing for my occasional sermon than did any of those in attendance. Amen!

~Crystal~ said...

Uh oh...We must have been seperated at birth! Cary Grant is my all time favorite actor! He's quite yummy & no newer could ever be compared to him. I love that you love Lucy too! Beside my best friend Staci you are the only other person I know that has the dolls. How exciting!

Shionge said...

Nadine...I'm so afraid of stretching coz I brpke my back and sprained them right after my 1st childbirth and it was so painful that I need to get a jab.

Now...I am so envious of friends doing yoga. But if it works wonder for you....that's great :D

palmtreefanatic said...

great post! encouraging...I need to do more stretching and excersize

Nicole said...

Stretching IS good. I have never thought of it quite like you put it. You are right - it is good for us, but sometimes it is uncomfortable. VERY interesting analogy. LOVE IT!!

Yokooso said...

Yes I totally agree, God IS the mighty Personal Trainer.

marykathryn said...

It is soo true..I don't like change..at all. But if I put it in the form of "stretching" I might receive it better...hehe
I know the Lord expects us to continue to grow and I definitely want to please him!

Kim said...

You will do so well with your class, Nadine. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Lala's world said...

AMEN!

Trina said...

Wow...Im definitely in a ANOTHER stretch mode myself! He gives me seasons of resting, but then He expects me to move about and stretch some of those lazy, uncomfortable areas. OUCH!

KarenW said...

God is certainly stretching us now, especially our faith! I am excited to see where He will be leading us but it is scary too.

Don C. said...

I can so relate, Nadine! Every time I prepare for the Art of Hearing God class I start feeling like salt water taffy! The end result is a more pliable spirit and I'm always grateful in the end, but...OH...the process can be painful!

I just so appreciate your openness and your humility. Your upcoming class will love you - you know that - so relax and go for the gusto. S-T-R-E-T-C-H!

P.S. Remember that with that particular class there will be a WHOLE LOT of stretching going on for your students too! Justice! Yes!

Kim's Life said...

I really need to stretch before my day starts. Great post.

Theresa said...

do you know that if you stretch after exercising you increase the workout by 23%? I always stretch, actually I do yoga moves, after I work out.

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