Bend a little, stretch a lot…

These six words do a wonderful job at describing life don’t they? There are experiences we encounter requiring a bend in ourselves or others. It may be a bend in the path we strive to be on. A bend in the road of life. Our hearts or bodies may feel bent. Bend don’t break is where the stretch comes in.

An intentional stretch in the morning can give energy and get your day moving! Stretching your legs, arms, back and neck can all be a relief. A different stretch can be put on your patience, a dollar, love, friendships, trust, and on your time.

In life we are sometimes bent in quick unexpected ways. We wonder if we will ever straighten again. Until this bend, we imagined we were fit and ready for life. Quietly, it snuck in on us and we doubled over. One day we realized stretching helped with the bend. Stretching our minds to open up, love again with the deep intensity we lost in the bend. When others bent they seemed to realign with a speed you could not know. Your bend was equal to the journey that molded this new you.

Weekly, I hear the words bend a little, stretch a lot. I smile each time I hear them.  There are a multitude of meanings behind them. Jesus bent as he was whipped, beaten, mocked, tempted and tortured. He stretched out His hand in miracles of healing. For you, He stretched out his hands on the cross as He spoke, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Our Father in heaven sent HIS only Son to bend and stretch so that we may have eternal life.

Bend a little, Stretch a lot, Look up and be happy, as these will lend you strength!

MamaC

Photo:  Calvin stretching in honor of his brother Connor on Spring break last year.