One of my first of the year commitments was to get in shape. Jon and I joined the YMCA and started working out. We did pretty good at getting a regular routine going. When summer hit however, our schedules got turned upside with the addition of our kiddos full time for 6 weeks. Somehow, we never did get around to going to the Y, and our routine was lost.
I didn’t know just how much I missed going to the Y until I returned yesterday. My work schedule had become a hopeless path of endless hours of work and stress. I finally broke down and decided I needed a workout and headed for class.
My favorite activity at the Y is Pilates, with my favorite instructor, Meredith. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between the hours of 9:30 – 10:30am, I can escape in a cocoon of joy. Meredith is an amazing lady, who takes her faith seriously. And thanks to the Y, she can not only play Christian music during our class, but she offers prayer when class is over. I admire Meredith for “taking her faith to the street” as it were, sharing Christ (even if just through music in the background) with those that enter her world.
When I began going to Pilates, my body was out of shape and it let me know it. But as I started to stretch those muscles something amazing happened. I found an environment of spiritual fulfillment. In that simple workout room, with the lights off and sunlight streaming through the windows, with soft music in the background praising my Lord and Savior, I found a place that I could share time with God. As my body twists and stretches, in my mind I praise Him, talk with Him, laugh with Him and share with Him. One move in particular always makes me smile, as we raise our hands up high and stretch towards the ceiling, I always feel like a child reaching up to my Heavenly Father, asking Him to “Pick me up!” And His arms embrace me with love.
By the time class is over, those that would like to, can stay and pray with Meredith. After spending time with my Lord alone, now I join other women like myself in a circle, and we lift each other up in prayer. Meredith begins our prayer, and with the voice of an angel, and the heart of one as well, she sweetly thanks God for all the blessings He bestows upon us. She lifts each woman up as a precious offering, asking His grace and provision over each of us and our families. The prayer passes around the circle, as those that want, lift their voice in prayer. The Holy Spirit is there within that small circle and cradles us in comfort.
Yesterday, as I stood in the circle, the walls came tumbling down. The barriers of stress and worry that had been built around me, crumbled. The emotions poured through me and rained down my cheeks. The Holy Spirit cleansed me and welcomed me back into my circle of joy.
I thank God for my time with Him every day, whether it’s at home in my quiet time, driving in my car singing praise songs, or in a small workout room at the YMCA. Our God is so great.
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