And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ~2 Corinthians 12:9
Grace can be a small thing, like wearing socks and shoes. ~Glynn Young
As the days of healing continue to unfold, I find myself seeing God's grace in everything that is transpiring. As Paul says, His grace is all we need to be filled with His power and His strength. And as Glynn wisely adds, it's sometimes the smallest, most seemingly insignificant things of ordinary living that convey just how much God's grace permeates our lives.
There is a time when I take our trusty treadmill for granted. Yes, during the pandemic, we need to stay away from gyms, and we are blessed with an adequate income to indulge in such a purchase. But I don't recognize that God's grace has a hand in our acquiring this piece of equipment.
Until now.
Beginning last Saturday, I tell my husband, Danny, that I'm feeling strong enough to embark on a brief, and slow, jaunt on our treadmill. I'm aware that the show, Cops, is playing on Fox Nation, and each episode is just shy of 20 minutes without commercials. (Does anyone else out there love this show?) That sounds like a reasonable amount of time to spend on a toned-down stroll just to begin strengthening hips, knees and ankles.
Turns out, I'm right!
Luckily, I've allowed Cops shows to pile up during my illness, so each day since my Saturday start, I've had a new episode to enjoy. I'm adding a few more minutes to my sessions, too, as I try to build stamina.
But in it all, I remember that I can only do this because of God's grace.
It is He who has chosen to be so good to me.
I can't earn grace, and I certainly don't deserve it.
None of us do.
Yet, we can express our thanks and praise to the Lord by acknowledging every day that it is in Him that we live, we breathe, we have our very being.
His grace may be as simple as rejoicing in socks and shoes, or a walk on a treadmill.
But is it always, and everywhere, sufficient.
Amen!
WOW ... 20 minutes on the treadmill? You are vrilliant. I can.t do that much. I just sit there watching the treadmill run and imagine I am doing the walking. Can do it for ages!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for His grace and that you are doing well again.
God bless.
Victor, you are too funny! I think that if you want to increase your time on the treadmill, you actually have to get on it. I'm up to 40 minutes!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Today the treadmill, tomorrow the marathon!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about that, Glynn, but I sure am happy to be able to do what I can do for now. Feeling good!
DeleteLove and blessings!
That's awesome Martha and it sure will help you regain some strength and endurance!
ReplyDeleteYes, it certainly will, Martha. I'm so happy we made that purchase years ago!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteWould not want to do any exercise 'indoors' as the inhalation of pure, fresh air is the BEST fill for our lungs.
Don't watch any series and I'd rather indulge in the ongoing show of beauty in nature, observing the birds, trees, flowers, or crops growing in the fields.
Hugs,
Mariette
I'd love to be outdoors, too, Mariette, but the uneven ground isn't the best way to regain strength and mobility. I do try to get outside several times a day just for the benefit of fresh air.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Great plan, Martha! Sadly, I never availed myself of either reading material or TV; consequently, my resolve to walk the treadmill was short-lived. Oh, and yes. My Tom loves watching COPS ... especially if it's filmed in a community with which he's familiar.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to find another Cops fan in Tom, Myra! I don't think I'd be as eager to get on the treadmill if I couldn't be entertained by the TV, though. Really requires outside distractions.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I’m so happy that you are getting stronger. Yes, His Grace is sufficient! Hugs and blessings.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Nells, God's grace is enough for all of us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Treadmill for the win! Way to go, Martha!
ReplyDeleteLisa, it is such a big win, and I'm rejoicing in it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen Ms. Martha; the best thing is that He gives it so freely, we just have to receive it. God's blessings ma'am. Praying your full and fast recovery.
ReplyDeleteYes, God's grace is always enough, J. D., and that should always be the best for us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I don't have a treadmill but I do have an indoor trainer for my bike. All I can say is I can't wait for the season to change on a more permanent basis. it is boring with a capital B. I gave my TV away so there is nothing to watch. Yesterday morning I listened to a podcast and a half in the hour I rode. That still does take away the boring. But I'm glad this has allowed you gain stamina. You will soon realize how much better you feel. Way to go! And happy birthday early.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the early birthday wishes, Bill! It's hard to believe that it's right around the corner.
DeleteI hear you with the indoor training bike - yes, it can get so boring if you don't have something to watch/listen to. Glad you found a podcast to listen to. Hang in there - spring and summer are right around the corner.
Love and blessings!
How wonderful!!! that is truly good news to hear that you are making such progress!! Who said, "inch by inch, life's a cinch" "Yard by yard, life's hard." Someone named John Bytheway. (could that be his real name?) Anyway, by starting out slow you are making good progress and God is there helping you each step of the way. This is great news!!!
ReplyDeleteSlow and steady . . . Yes, Pam, that's the way to go! I'm so grateful for all the progress I'm making, and feel stronger with every passing day. What blessings God gives!
DeleteLove and blessings!
So thankful you are improving! I had a neighbor once that used his rowing machine while watching suspense movies. That could be your goal, Martha--a 90 minute suspense movie! SMILES!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Oh, wow, Lulu, that would be some goal, that's for sure! I do like a good suspense novel; not sure if a movie would translate quite as well for me. But yes, anything that entertains can be fun.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes indeed, God's grace is sufficient. Always. For me, the silver lining to the pandemic was when I managed to declutter my whole house. As slothful and lazy as I am when it comes to such, I realize that it was only by the grace of God that I got it done.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Debra, that's such a GREAT thing to come out of the pandemic! Now that my son has finally moved out (an entirely other story), we are doing the same here, and it feels so darned good. God's grace winds its perfect way through it all, and for that, we can both be grateful.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteLinda reflexão, a graça do Senhor é maravilhosa, nos fortalece sempre, um forte abraço.
Thank you, Lucinaiva!
DeleteLove and blessings!
That's awesome, Martha. We recently sold our treadmill when we sold our home and decided to downsize a bit. That is perfect strengthening therapy for you. My husband watches the show, Cops. It's only those times that I actually see it. Pretty interesting stuff. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that your husband enjoys Cops, too, Karen! Things just happen so quickly on that show, that the time flies by, which is a good thing on a treadmill.
DeleteI hear you about downsizing - we are in the process of decluttering our home and doing some serious improvements. It is all so necessary.
Love and blessings!
I am so glad you are getting stronger, Martha.
ReplyDeleteAmen! His grace is always enough.
Oh, yes, Veronica, God's grace is ever and always enough, and usually, much more than we need. Isn't that the best? I'm so grateful to be healing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, I'm so happy to hear that you are able to begin exercising again. Praise the Lord! You are in my thoughts and prayers for complete healing in the name of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Thanks so much for your prayers, Beckie! Yes, I'm on the mend, and I couldn't be happier. God's healing power is simply amazing, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
DeleteLove and blessings!
So happy that you are able to get sufficient exercise, what a great idea! Glad to hear that you are doing well on your healing journey, may the Lord continue to bless you!
ReplyDeleteI am so very grateful to be doing so much better, Marilyn, and can't thank God enough for his mercies.
DeleteLove and blessings!
So glad you are feeling better. I like to walk too. I remember a couple of years ago I could do the treadmill for about an hour. These days with the weight gained and hurting feet I can only walk for 10 minutes at a time. You are completely right.. we can only do what we do for and with, God's grace!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that walking the treadmill is so difficult for you these days, Ed, but the good news is you're still trying in the best way that you can! God's grace can and will see you through, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this is just wonderful!!! I am SO proud of you. Oh, God has surely brought you a long, long way. It is such a blessing to have indoor exercise equipment. It is so much safer and what a joy to be able to watch your favorite show while walking! It makes it so much easier to get thorugh a workout. How gracious of the Lord to bless you with the treadmill - He always sees our future and makes a way for our needs. He is ever faithful! I know you will continue to grow stronger and stronger, my friend. Enjoy your shows and every good thing God brings your way - you so deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy, and rejoice in, every moment God sees fit to give me, Cheryl. After the scare in January, every single day feels like an extraordinary gift that I can never take for granted. I am so, so thankful to God for all His grace and mercy!
DeleteLove and blessings!
That is great to get your workouts in slowly. It does take time. I love how we all have our shows we enjoy. The music on Cops will entice you to workout. God has a plan and He uses it to increase our relationship with Him daily. I work out with Jack LaLanne as I did when I was young. This verse you share is a favorite. God gave it to me the night before our son Nick was born as I was kept in the hospital. I was angry, it would be another bill, another day in the hospital when I could have/should have been sent home. But God hit me square in the eyes with this verse. It hangs in our bedroom today. His grace and mercy is what helps us live and I truly believe that.
ReplyDeleteso glad you are getting better. Love how you are sharing your lessons in recovery with us, Thank you,
ReplyDelete