I just finished a chair workout involving a series of stretch movements. I’m hoping that working out this way, gently stretching muscles, that have spent too much time sitting in front of my computer, will help me avoid difficulty with our use-it-or-lose-it design. To avoid injury of bounce-torn tissue (stretched too cold – too fast – too far), deliberate, smooth moves are needed.

A good stretch can help to work the kinks out of stiff muscles and joints – ah, I did feel a release of tension in several spots – accompanied by a few creaks and groans.

Stretching pays big dividends for our physical health. It increases strength, flexibility and range of motion – which means we can do more, with less effort, or potential for injury. Stretching is said to be the most effective way to improve circulation, which carries nutrients to (and lactic acid away from) muscles. A good stretch is also reported to reduce stress, and to encourage positive feelings with a release of endorphins.

OK – our bodies love a good stretch. Can we benefit from stretching in other ways too; such as ‘imagination’, ‘expectation’, and ‘self-activation’? These also seem to stiffen up unless exercised.

With the right moves – could we stretch and release tension from knotted thoughts, as we can from muscle fiber? Maybe so — at least to some helpful degree. Imagine the warmth of an increased flow of confidence and creative energy!

Are today’s circumstances getting your down? Do you feel overwhelmed? Maybe you could use the stretch found in Philippians 4:8:

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Suze Orman, and many others became celebrities by offering ideas encouraging us to live more fully, achieve greater goals, and to discover increased passion in our lives (no, not that kind of passion). Their messages are calls to action – motivating us to ‘s-t-r-e-t-c-h’ beyond our fears or self-imposed limits.

Do you doubt you have anything to offer, that hasn’t already been said or done by others, including those celebrities we admire? Well, the truth is … you are a one-of-a-kind, totally unique creation, with your own special views, dreams, and experience. Your voice is the only one qualified to share your particular wisdom and gifts with the world.

Try this verse on for size – and feel the stretch. Romans 12:6-8, explains that we are each given our own unique gifts and we’re urged to use them:

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

So, yes, great art works already exist in multiple mediums – but none capture your particular vision. Great words have been written, but none in exactly the way that only you can speak them (from your own experience and with your one-of-a-kind heart). Incredible records have been set – but no one has run the race the way you can – with your personal strengths and style. Only you can be yourself.

Find your passion (for art, letters, music, or other expression), add your own very unique point of view, stir up faith (even a tiny grain) then mix with a lot of elbow grease, and apply liberally. Repeat as needed. This is a great stretch, and a recipe for success.

Question: Why Stretch?

Answer: To release tension, un-block nerve pathways, increase circulation ( feed your needs and remove toxic waste), to increase flexibility and range of motion – while reducing potential injury… and, because scripture advises us to do so:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

For both physical and meta-physical workouts … here are a few final words of encouragement:

“… And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.  (Colossians 3:23)

“…Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” (Prov. 16:3)

“…And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”  (Hebrews 10:24)

I hope I’ve just stretched far enough to do a bit of stirring.

Blessings, Love and Laughter,

Marge

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