Strong muscles don't come easy...

This summer Clay has decided to "get strong".  He is millimeters away from 6'2" and weighs in around 155ish.  Playing defense on the Lacrosse field for two years now has taught him that he needs to beef up a bit to hold his position.

And, so it begins...  He has joined a local gym, paired up with a willing coach, and made the commitment.  Being thin has given him some quick results because he just isn't carrying much 'fat' to trim down; he is simply just building up... muscle.  Even though he was plagued with soreness, the first week was quite successful - he was consistent, he saw some beginning results, and he loved the thought of what was coming.  The second week was positive - still consistent - schedule was a bit more challenging, still saw results - a little less sore, still feeling good about the future strength and resulting change on the Lacrosse field.  Week 3 just finished -  schedule became difficult with work and other activities, results have been a bit less noticeable, still committed - well, of course, sort of?!

Spiritual "muscles" work the same way, don't they?  How often have I drawn the line in the sand, saying, "today is the day, I will commit to that daily quiet time... no matter what!"  Then life, circumstances, activities, sleep.... things just get in the way.  After that first week, the excitement wanes.. just a bit, the commitment is challenged with schedule... just a bit,  the "feeling" may diminish... just a bit.

We all know the right answers.... How many times have you heard the age old questions -   

If you didn't talk to your husband or children for days at a time,

 would you really have a relationship with them?

If you didn't listen to the person you trust your life with, 

would you know where that person is leading you?

If you didn't read what the person you say you are following wrote to you,

would you know HIS heart?

Can I just challenge you (and me) for a moment?  With much desire and some trial and error, I have found that the commitment is made when the time is set and protected - doesn't that apply to all commitments we make?  It does make sense.  So, give me the time!  I mean, seriously, what time will you meet with the Lord for the next seven days?  Having some time off work, the past few weeks has offered me the gift of time, but I can tell you that time has not automatically given me this desired time with my Savior...  For me, it is still early morning.... 6:30 am - Here we go - I'll be there with my cup of coffee and my Bible - at my kitchen table...  

I'm starting with a couple of my favorite verses:

"The steadfast love the Lord lever ceases; his mercies never come to an end; the new every MORNING; great is Your faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:22-23

"O Lord, in the MORNING You hear my voice; in the MORNING, I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch...[and listen]..."  Psalm 5:3

"Let me hear in the MORNING of your steadfast love, for in You - I trust.  Make me know the way I should go, for to You - I lift my soul."  Psalm 143:8

Good MORNING!!!  Flex with me!!