Don't Forget the Squats!

 Wednesday August 7^th 2024

What should I choose this week for our word? Nothing has really stood out for me except SQUATS.

Now before you think I am going to only talk about physical exercise, give me a minute.

It is true that I have been telling everyone that it is critical to do squats daily – after surgery I discovered how important because I could not bend over for a couple weeks; but I could pick up things after just a few days if I would squat. It’s a basic, foundational exercise; some personal trainers, who specialize in helping us “experienced” adults, even consider squats the single most important exercise we can do.  

So let’s apply this to other foundational things in life. Look at what is basic; what allows you to do other things; what allows you to build your skills.

In our professional lives there are classes and courses to give us additional information. College classes are even numbered to show you how they build on one another (Psych 101, 102, 103; Calculus 101, 201, 301). There are advanced business courses and degrees which allow us to add to our already-accumulated knowledge, and training programs that allow us to elevate our skill levels.

Yet it is most important to begin at the beginning – with the basic foundations like high school Psychology and Algebra I.

In our spiritual lives there are also building blocks: intentional daily time with God – talking with Him and listening to Him (remember that listening part – it’s very important). Intentional daily time reading the scriptures and asking Him “What are You saying to me? What are You asking me to do?” These are the building blocks of our faith. There are also extra ways to add to our faith skills: pastor’s sermons, Bible study groups. There are courses at a seminary and books by learned theologians.

Yet again, it is important to start with this basic step: spend quality intentional time in prayer and scripture. This is the single most important thing you can do to build a strong faith in God.

And don’t forget to do squats!