Do you wake up some mornings feeling like the Tin Man? Your alarm clock tells you it’s time to hop out of the bed and start your day, but your body doesn’t want to move. The older I get, the more experiences I have where my body is not as eager to go as my mind. My back and legs cry out for a shot of oil to loosen the muscles and ease the joints. Fortunately, a morning routine of stretching and exercising helps me get on with my day.
While most of the time we associate stiffness to our bodies, this same descriptor can highlight how we are emotionally or spiritually. We’ve all known people that come across as rigid or inflexible. We usually say these people are “set in their ways.” They are unwilling to hear new ideas or try new experiences. Similarly, the Bible speaks of people having a hardened heart or a stiff neck. These people are noted for being so obstinate that they are not open to God working in their lives.
I decided this morning that if I’m determined to physically stretch and exercise to help my body be more flexible, I should also consider stretching my heart and mind each day to be receptive to God. Here’s a few spiritual exercises that may help us live with more zest throughout the day.
