Sam, like most cats, has perfected the art of stretching. Waking from his nap, he uncurls himself, stands, and begins his stretch. He hunches his back, then drops his chest close to the ground, extending his front legs, splaying his toes, and protracting his claws. Next he pivots forward to stretch his back legs to their fullest extent, finishing with a flick of his tail and a toothy yawn. After such an elaborate stretch, Sam is limber and ready for action.  

God created Sam with a supple body and lightning reflexes to catch darting mice or leaping frogs. Stretching is part of what it takes to keep his body in top condition. Of course, Sam does not understand any of that; he just stretches because it feels good to stretch.  

We need to stretch too. Not a lazy, yawning stretch, but an earnest, heavenward stretch. We long to grow, but sometimes we do not put forth the effort to stretch and grasp all God has for us.  

One way we can stretch is by personal Bible study. Skimming a page in a devotional booklet, then hurriedly reading a few verses, is not stretching. Take time to meditate, research word meanings, compare with other passages, and commune with God. Stretch toward God!  

Charles Wesley expressed it well: “Father, I stretch my hands to thee, no other help I know.”  

We must stretch because the Christian life requires our fullest effort. Poet Philip Doddridge penned these words: “Awake, my soul, stretch ev’ry nerve, / And press with vigor on; / A heav’nly race demands thy zeal, / And an immortal crown.” Let’s keep our souls limber by stretching every morning.  

Draw thou my soul, O Christ, closer to thine; 
Breathe into every wish thy will divine.  
– Lucy Larcum 

From Paws on My Porch, by Gary Miller
© 2015 TGS International, PO Box 355, Berlin, Ohio 44610
Used by permission