One of my blogging friends has been on a physical fitness focus recently.  I applaud his efforts to be consistent and to do as Paul talked about “to bring my body into subjection.”  The old KJV version used the word “buffeted my body.”  I reckon it depends on how you pronounce that word as to its meaning.  You either “beat it into subjection” or “you buffet it”  (like the endless eating line).  Okay, enough of that nonsense.  I have written much lately about my bike accident and the recurring pain and lack of muscle use in my left shoulder/arm/forearm that has resulted in atrophy.  Well,  today (Tuesday) I made my way back to the “Y” for the first time since that fateful day of July 11th.  I  can honestly say I went at it slowly and carefully.  I used a 10 pound weight in my left hand and a 20 pounder in my right.  Curls were easy even with the disparity of weight.  But the shoulder presses with dumbbells were interesting.  The tricep pull-downs about did me in when the left one just had no strength.  The incline bench press first with no weight and then with 20 pounds were a pretty good test of the lack of strength.  Good thing the bench press machine is a “controlled” machine.   All in all I went at it for about 25 minutes and was glad to be done.  I then rode for 22 miles at lunchtime and stood on a hill.  My arm almost gave out.

So…my point besides “wowing” you with my lack of physical prowess?  I am writing this Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of Wednesday morning’s zoo that I already know is coming.  I am already feeling the residual of what happens when a muscle is used that has not been used for some time.  Can you say, “Don’t touch me there”?  Can you say, “That’s a mean way to get even with me and make me your slave”?  Please don’t take those as risque’ comments.  They aren’t meant to be.  They are comments from sore muscles that someone wants to touch to torture. Muscles that have been unused will be sore when used and stretched for the first time.

Our faith needs stretched also.  James tells us that: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing.” [1:2-3] We will be sore when stretching for the first time.  Our “faith muscles” need challenged.  It isn’t always comfortable.  It isn’t always easy.  BUT IT IS ESSENTIAL!

But hopefully you won’t have someone poking you saying, “A-w-w-w does that hurt?”   “Yes, now pass me the ibuprofen and ice pack.”    Any thoughts you want to share?