Our highest priority

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8

In an article posted by Runner's World yesterday, the following question was asked, "Should you foam roll then stretch or vice versa?" The answer according to recent research in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine? Foam rolling followed by stretching is always the way to go. They went on to say that this order should be done before exercise rather than after as most runners are accustomed to. Doing this sequence before exercise rather than after can be helpful for performance, in part because your muscles get truly “warmed up” and prepped for a run, said Diana Garrett, D.P.T., C.S.C.S., physical therapist and outpatient rehabilitation supervisor at Providence Saint John’s Health Center’s Performance Therapy in Santa Monica, California. “We’ve found foam rolling is more effective as a warmup rather than a recovery tool,” she told Runner’s World. “Similar to dynamic stretching, it can be used to help improve range of motion and flexibility, and provide a cue for the body that prepares it for more high-intensity activity.”

And you know, foam rolling and stretching are not the only things you and I should do before exercising if we want to perform at our best each day. We should read our Bibles, pray and meditate. Why? Because to perform at our best as ambassadors of Christ, something that each one of us is called to be, we must know full well the One whom we represent and exactly what's required of us. This starts by having a personal meeting with Jesus each and every morning, as the psalmist clearly understood, to be reminded of His "unfailing love" and to receive clear direction, "in the way" we should go.

So knowing that clear direction is only gleaned from prayer, Bible study and meditation, let us make seeking Him first our highest priority. This is the only way to ensure that we are performing our duties to the best of our ability. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are Your ambassadors everywhere we go. Knowing that we represent the Kingdom, cause us to have a thirst for the Word that we might continually grow in knowledge and in love. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!