Stretch

Clusters of blue-grayish clouds dispersed amidst blue windows peering into the stratosphere, blanketed the Texas heavens this October afternoon. The calm, soothing air resided as unnoticed as car horns in a New York based movie.


I hurriedly parked my beige Buick LaSabre at home after a full day of classes at Dallas Theological Seminary, where I am pursuing a Masters of Art in Christian Leadership. My cerebral cortex seemingly pulsated in processing the wisdom of great professors. I raced to my car's trunk—opened with the push of a button—clasped my left hand and fingers around the handle of my briefcase. While propelling myself the door, I simultaneously readjusted the keys in my right hand in preparation of opening my apartment door.


The black wingtips, socks, slacks, and blue polo shirt rapidly became dispersed on and by the bed. Decades of repetition enabled redressing in running clothes, in only a few seconds. Gray shoes with green outlined lettering, along with black running shorts and a white shirt reading "See, Believe, Achieve" on the back transformed this body and mind from student, and professional to "super runner." Well, maybe just a "runner".


The first two miles my body resembled a rear tractor tire—appearing fast, yet moving forward at the speed of cold honey—I then dropped the hammer in an attempt to sprint for one-minute, followed by one-minute of jog rest. Each one-minute of full speed running covered a perpetually increasing distance through each of the first ten repetitions. Increased stride length, measured by the cracks on the sidewalk, produced the greatest contribution as the rate of leg turnover remained nearly constant.


In other words, my achievements significantly increased while my extended energy remained constant, because of increased flexibility. My optimal speed and flexibility persisted for the final ten one-minute runs. Near the end physical fatigue, represented by lactic acid, and mental exhaustion began seeping in as high ground water into a basement. Consequently, my focus and concentration zeroed in on remaining flexible and quick.


Following a cool-down, I ate supper in energetic contentment exceeding my exhaustion, because my flexibility, quickness and persistence allowed me to challenge myself to achievement and growth.

How are you increasing your flexibility for greater achievements at work, at home with your family, and serving your community?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve greater flexibility in Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com