So I’ve picked up exercising again.  It’s been awhile, it’s overdue, and I pretty much feel like this guy when I’m done with a still-pretty-short jog or bike ride.  Along with that, I’ve been paying attention to what I put in my mouth, in the attempt to lose some middle-age flab and find more energy for a full season coming up.  There’s nothing particularly admirable about this, but it sure has been illustrative and at times a bit of an eye-opener.

For example, a good workout for me at the moment burns a little over 200 calories.  There’s 1,100 calories in a regular sized Big Mac Meal. That means ONE Big Mac Meal wipes out a week of workouts! So that Big Mac Meal I had on vacation (against Tara’s admonition!)?  Not worth it.  It’s called junk food for a reason!

Another thing I’ve been reminded of is how good exercise can be for your prayer life.  Your prayers become naked–short, simple, straight to the point, sometimes one word, intense–because all that gasping for breath takes up all the space for extra words.  It’s a great way to show up simply with our deep desires and needs.

And another thing:  It’s a whole lot easier to stay in shape than to get in shape.  I used to run a lot during seminary, and it’d be a whole lot easier now if I’d kept it up!  But doing the hard work of getting in shape is a lot better than not getting in shape at all simply because to start back up is too tough.

Of course, like most other things in the physical world, there are profound spiritual parallels. It’s Olympics season and I’m thinking about Paul, a long-distance runner (spiritually).  “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  They do it to receive a perishable [medal], we an imperishable…So run that you may obtain it.”  (1 Cor. 9.24-25)

Paul is passionate about staying in shape spiritually so that he can win the race, he’s passionate about staying in shape spiritually.  And just like for us physically, it’s a whole lot easier to stay in shape spiritually than to get back in shape after we’ve indulged on too much ‘junk food for the soul’ for a season.  Morgan Spurlock’s Supersize Me is a cautionary tale for the body for sure, but also for the spirit!

Have you thought about how you’re going to stay in good shape spiritually this fall season?  Or get back into good spiritual health if that’s not where you’re at?

There are individual responses of course…carving out the time each day to be with God in a meaningful way in prayer and the Scripture, engaging a new book for spiritual reading, learning a new way to pray, taking a personal spiritual retreat.

And there are corporate responses as well…joining others in their efforts to stay in shape spiritually.   I’m delighted Coracle is offering so many of these opportunities, for all of us.   I’d encourage you to create space for the “Praying for Your New Year” retreat on September 10 in Arlington and the “God’s Call to You” retreat at Corhaven on September 24.  Wade Ballou is cranking up his regular Lectio Divina and silence prayer groups every Tuesday night starting September 13 in Falls Church, and Melody Ries starts her every-other-Wednesday night prayer group on September 21.   In Baltimore, on September 8 Scott Buresh and company will start exploring the Sacred Rhythms DVD curriculum.

It’s going to be a big fall for you, for me, and for us.  Let’s get in shape and stay in shape together!