Today’s scripture: Isaiah 23:1-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Carla Peck):
Some days feel like surviving the chaos, putting one foot in front of the other to survive the work day, the hospital bed, aches and pains, a long commute, trying to please someone who is simply incapable of being pleased … you get the idea.
Exercise started that way for me — putting one foot in front of the other just to make myself do it, going through the motions to start a new habit to help me lose weight. Eventually, I noticed that I felt less irritable on the days I exercised. Now I enjoy the calmer demeanor that exercise provides me. Physically, I am stronger. After exercising, I am more aware of my posture and my breathing — two attributes that help me to endure. The after-effect is worth the time and effort of putting one foot in front of the other.
Today’s scripture covers chaos very well, except for the song about the prostitute:
“Take a harp, go about the city, you forgotten prostitute! Make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered.”
For me, this song represents victory during the turbulent times in today’s scripture. I frequently use my imagination to make comebacks.
I love indoor cycling and attacking the physical challenge of a hill. It helps me to start and finish a challenging project at work. I visualize that hill on the bike and how I made it up hill, so I will make it over the hill to start and finish a work project.
I love weight-lifting, yoga, and Pilates for their focus on breath and slow, powerful, intentional movements — which help me to remember to not sweat the small stuff, to just let it go.
I love water aerobics and swimming because it’s fun to make waves and splash in the water. These exercises remind me to smile.
I don’t love running so much, so I take up my harp, use my imagination, and visualize Ashley Judd in the movie Double Jeopardy — the scenes where Ashley exercises in prison to get stronger to outwit her abusive husband, then she escapes and ransacks a house to find evidence to prove her innocence. During the police chase, Ashley runs across the roof of the house, propels herself to the ground, then outruns the police. On the mark, get set, go … my feet and legs take off!
Thought for the day: God, I am so thankful for the gifts of imagination, tenacity, and determination. Charge!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.