217 - Before Exercise

My weekly routine includes three sessions of physical therapy, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Laura puts me through my paces, and we chat about many things: her daughters, my daughter, books, current events, and faith. Outwardly, she is as different from me as can be: tall and strong, and an honest-to-goodness WASP. But we have such similar values and similar attitudes about God and our ability to be partners in the on-going search for wholeness.

Two Hundred Seventeen

Before Exercise

Strengthen me, Holy One, with these motions.
Let my steps grow steadier,
My arms firmer and my hands more nimble.
Breathe Your spirit’s strength into me.

Help me move despite pain,
As trying to stretch, to reach, I strive
To mobilize my stiffness and my weakness,
To approach fluidity and vigor.

Make my body a vehicle
For my growing wellness,
As with these physical changes,
I consolidate hope and revitalize faith.