It has been two weeks since I had knee replacement surgery. I have not completely enjoyed the recovery process, but I do have great expectations of the results due to the fact I had prepared myself with specific exercises. It has been a painful process nonetheless, since the trauma of surgery and anesthesia paralyzes the muscles temporarily, and training them to walk again is a necessary evil. There are different stages of walking I have gone or will go through. They are as follows: just standing with help and taking small steps sideways, walking with a walker and having assistance, walking with walker on my own, walking with a cane with assistance, and soon walking with a cane on my own and in a week or two, walking without any help or assistance. As believers, we are called to exercise our minds daily, if not minute by minute. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse is informing us that if we renew or exercise our mind we will be more apt to look like Christ rather than the world. This means we must take ample time each day to exercise our mind with God's Word. The most painful part of exercise takes place when we confess our sin and apply what we learn. Romans 13:14 adds, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires." So in essence, we are being told that if we do this daily exercise we will guard our minds against satisfying our flesh. No one likes to exercise, yet it is what trains our bodies to adapt better to whatever challenges comes our way whether spiritual or physical. David knew of the benefits of this daily exercise when he said in Psalms 16:8-9, "I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely." Practically Speaking: As I have been retraining my leg muscles, it is a slow process and can be frustrating, but with consistent practice; it has become less difficult and someday I hope to run! I could however just sit with my leg up and do nothing, but this would ensure frozen muscles and a permanent limp. Maybe your mind is out of shape. It's never too late to exercise it! Start by planning a specific time and stick to it. One great idea is to read through the Bible. Many phone apps facilitate this daily. Bible Gateway is one that I use and recommend. Happy Exercising!! Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 #wholikestoexercise #nopainnogain #runtherace #consistentpractice #happinessinsmallsteps