Spiritual Exercise

After a busy two weeks, I returned to my routine of morning exercise at the YMCA. I know I am getting out of sync when this discipline falls by the wayside.

On Wednesday, I arrived much earlier than is my normal practice (since I got out of my usual practice, my timing was a little off). In fact, I arrived at 4:55 am, five minutes before the Y opened. I really don't like to get there and have to wait to get going because it gives my mind time to focus on the pain, sweat, and exhaustion that will be my world for the next hour (and that is just climbing the steps to the gym).

As I waited, trying not to focus on all of that, I counted thirteen people there. Waiting, eager and excited, passionate, about whatever form of exercise they would pursue in maintaining and furthering their physical health.

Later I wondered: why aren't more people this passionate about their spiritual health? How does the church get people to make exercising their spirit a priority that gets them up at 4:55 am? What does it take to get people locked into that type of committed relationship with Jesus? The author of Psalm 63 in the Bible writes about pursing that relationship with God "early" in the morning and late at night. He says he is refreshed by his encounters with God.

Anyway, the workout was hard, but I felt great the rest of the day. And then, maybe that is part of it--does your spiritual exercise leave you invigorated for the rest of the day?