I am linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday: Stretch.
GO.
I read the words of lovely writers and I am stretched to find my voice, and I hope that one day it will be as lovely as some of the ones I read.
I think of yawning to let more air in my lungs and stretching my arms up and my legs out to relieve the stiffness. The added tension a much needed release for the moment.
Two black children blowing up balloons at Delta Cooperative © by Kheel Center, Cornell University
I think of a balloon filled with air and stretched taut. And how that nothing that stretches is intended to be left stretched out. A stretch is always temporary. It may cause change, but the push and pull is only for a time.
Stretching cannot be done over and over and over again without permanent damage. A continuous stretch will cause a break or in the case of pregnancy a mark. 😉 Stretches must be followed with a release to relaxation and to a less tense state to ensure damage is not done.
When Jesus stretches us, sometimes we do break, but usually, it simply ensures we use muscles as they were intended to be used. He reminds our body of its purpose. He reminds the church of its purpose.
When Jesus was stretched, He lay broken on the cross for me. His blood spilled out and then it did not – pain, death, despair, alone, broken. His stretch was met with brokenness and then it was met with unexpected relaxation – healing, wholeness, life, joy. So I know that when I am stretched to brokenness, He will give me all that He gained in dying.
Stretched. Beautifully broken. Made new.
STOP.
Love this line: “nothing that stretches is intended to be left stretched out.” I never thought of a stretch that way before. You are right, though and it gives new meaning for there being a time for everything. Loved reading your post this evening – thanks for sharing!
Sarah, I am glad you enjoyed it and mostly glad that He spoke to you through it. Nice to have you visit here!
Love it! You have a beautiful voice.
“He reminds our body of its purpose. He reminds the church of its purpose.” Stretching is good because sometimes we forget or get a little out of shape in our hearts, our homes, and our churches. This line really speaks to me. I love the way you love Jesus. 🙂
You are so sweet, Jen! I love how you say we get a little out of shape in our hearts, our homes, our churches. Such a good analogy and picture.
Thank you for your comment on my blog. : ) I love what you wrote and am thankful that stretching is only for a little while – though sometimes it feels longer!!! (I think I have some stretch marks from these last couple of years!!! ha ha!) But yes, sometimes the stretching leads to brokenness that leads to new wholeness. Another example of how upside down God’s ways seem! Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks, Melissa. I am glad you were encouraged! I agree the stretching sometimes seems much longer than a little while, usually because we sometimes learn to use new muscles and are stretching something new again and again. 🙂
I agree with Jen, I love your voice! And I love your thoughts here, especially this: “When Jesus stretches us, sometimes we do break, but usually, it simply ensures we use muscles as they were intended to be used.” It’s all for his glory; we need to use those muscles and if we weren’t stretched, we’d probably forget to use them (as you said). Very encouraging post, Jamie 🙂