by Pam Tinsley

Last fall my oncologist referred me to ReVital prehabilitation physical therapy to help me prepare for a bone marrow transplant. I thought I was in moderately good shape, but after just six weeks, I was surprised by how much stronger I’d become.

Then came chemotherapy and transplant. Three weeks in the hospital along with significant weight loss quickly erased the results of all that effort. Muscle melted into loose skin. After I was finally discharged to home, I began the arduous work of rehabilitation with twice weekly physical therapy sessions at the “gym,” along with a daily exercise program in our “home gym.”

Progress was slow but steady. Six months ago, I needed to lean on a nearby piece of furniture to get up from the floor. Eventually, I discovered that I could rise from the floor without using my hands or my knees. Muscles appeared on my arms and legs, and I could even lift our 3-year-old grandson without hesitation. Persistence has its rewards!

Just as our bodies need regular exercise, so too does our spirit.

Epiphany Parish in Seattle, where I’ve served as an assisting priest, refers to itself as a spiritual gym – a place where we strengthen spiritual muscles to help live out Kingdom of God values. And, of course, this gym is open to people of all levels of “experience.” Like the YMCA with its diverse exercise programs – from the cardio room to the track to weights and the pool – a spiritual gym offers “coaches” and different types of workouts, such as worship, prayer, Christian formation, and pilgrimage – whether to a distant land or a half-day retreat.

The goal of our workout isn’t simply to check it off our list. Rather, it’s to become more deeply attuned to God’s values, to follow Jesus more closely, and to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, just as others accompany us.

The result? Strong spiritual muscles to carry us through the rest of the week – and for the challenges that life brings.

In his September 2 blog, the Rev. Scott Gunn of Forward Movement describes the importance of regular spiritual workouts this way: “As Christians, we are all works in progress. We’re never ‘done’ being formed as followers of Jesus. There’s always more to learn about God, about our faith.”

So, whatever your current level of spiritual fitness, why not give yourself a workout?