Stretching All Of My Muscles

This is the sheet of stretches that was given to me by the neurosurgeon Monday.
I have to do all of these stretches twice a day for the rest of my life at least several months, if not more.



On paper, they seem relatively easy, but in real life, they are very difficult.
While doing these stretches, my body breaks out into a cold sweat.
I had no idea how weak I actually was until doing these exercises. My muscles have literally not been used for over a month now. I am physically so weak from not using my muscles for so long.

As I was laying on the floor the other day sweating, I started thinking about my "spiritual" muscles.
If I don't exercise them regularly, I will be spiritually weak.
I won't be able to handle the difficult situations that may come my way very well, because I will have no spiritual strength.

When my spiritual muscles are weak, I am open prey for the enemy and all of his schemes.

And the only way to have spiritual strength is to daily spend time with God praying and reading His Word.

The whole experience of back surgery and recovery has been very eye opening for me.

It has been a wake up call of just how important it is to take care of myself physically, as well as spiritually.

Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

The doctor suggested that I use a folded quilt to help provide a cushion for my back against the hardwood floor.



And although the doctor did not suggest this next little piece of advice, I find it to be very helpful if I do all of the stretches in front of the television. Especially if say, Tristan from "Legends of the Fall" just happens to be on the screen.



Sigh.

Daniel took this next picture of Shannon following the doctor's orders given to him. He has to stretch my leg into this position twenty-five times, twice a day for two months.
Unfortunately, this is quite a workout for him, as he has to do all of the heavy lifting. I cannot help him. I have to trust him as he lifts it a little further each time.

Which also reminded me of my relationship with the Lord. I have to trust Him as He allows my spiritual muscles to be stretched. Each time He allows the spiritual stretching to occur, it is for my own good. Just like this physical stretching is to help heal my body, God allows spiritual stretching to help in healing my heart and to bring me into a closer relationship with Him.



I just need you to ignore the bottom of my foot. Thanks! (Mom, I'm so sorry about exposing the bottom of my crusty foot on the Internet. I will use your Ped Egg on the bottom of both of my feet as soon as I can reach them.)

And is it just me, or does Shannon seem a little distracted while he is helping me do my leg stretches?



I'm just saying is all.

Heb 12:12
"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."