Bravo!

Over our summer break, Loretta and I spent an evening with The Maestro of the Movies. Admittedly, this concert had been circled on our calendar for months. If the name John Williams isn't familiar, I'll bet you my keyboard that you know his work. In fact, if you've been to the movies over the last 40 years, chances are you know more than one song by heart. And there we sat. Under the night sky at the Hollywood Bowl, the wonderful and classy Julie Andrews hosted the gala and the great John Williams conducted the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra. And ohhh did they play. From the soundtracks of E.T. to Lincoln to Star Wars, each note was a memory as vivid as the stars above. The joy on Loretta's face as each melody played was priceless. And me? I thoroughly enjoyed every measure, but like a boy in line to meet a superhero, I was waiting for one song in particular. But before you could say, "Bravo," the first hour was over, the musicians stood and Mr. Williams left the stage under thunderous applause.

Intermissions are interesting. The lights go up and life resumes. Reality sets in. Minutes earlier I was a Raider of the Lost Ark, swinging over lagoons to find hidden treasure but let the music stop and my back is aching and my hips won't open! I was even sweating the traffic we would soon face getting out of there. But despite how I was feeling, a team of horses couldn't pull me away. Why? There was more. It was just the intermission. So I moved around a little, did some light stretching and said hello to the strangers in my aisle as I made my way back to my seat.

How are you feeling today? Have you been spending good, quality time reading God's word, praying, talking, listening? And what about your health? Eating right? Exercising? Is your workout a symphony of praise? I sure hope so. If not, I know it can get tough. But press on. God has an encore the bible says is beyond imagination. Not the half has been told of what's in store for us. So as you and I wait out this life, let's enjoy the intermission simply because of our inner mission. Move around a little, do some stretching, say hi to those around you. There's more. And oh, let's try not to sweat the traffic.

--Jimmy Peña

P.S. The Maestro never did play my song. Can you guess what I was waiting to hear? I gave you a hint, did you catch it? Alas, after three curtain calls, the sweet 80-year old genius placed his palms together, put them to the side of his tilted face and motioned to his intimate party of 18,000 that it was time to go to bed. Bravo.

THE INNER MISSION What is God calling you to do with your health? What goals are you setting? Perhaps with the kids back in school, you've set some new objectives? Maybe you're a couple desiring to start an exercise plan together. Whatever you need your health for, enjoy your time, follow your heart's dream. Make music while you wait.

NEW GEAR Our fitness can be our witness. But if people aren't quite receiving the message, we have no problem making it more obvious. The newest additions to our apparel line broadcast your dedication to health as a means of praise. Click here to check our new assortment of men's and women's tanks.

DESTINATION: YOUR CHURCH If you are a regular visitor to our site, then you are likely familiar with the core of Jimmy Peña's message. But if you've never had the chance to hear this message delivered in person, now is your chance. PrayFit is actively seeking churches to visit this fall and winter. Write us at [email protected] to find out how you can bring Jimmy to a service at your place of worship!