God spoke and there was light. He breathed the stars in space and put the moon in place. But you? You, He knitted. Imagine, the God who filled the oceans with water made your eyes to blink. After spraying the cosmos with a billion galaxies, He gave you goosebumps. (And then you did the same to Him.)

When you’re healthy and strong, that sounds reasonable. Borderline expected. When you’re thriving, the canvas of life seems to absorb and reflect bright colors. But during the tough stuff, after the doctor visit, the injury, the setback, or the unexpected illness and resulting suffering, things can get grey and the goosebumps can fade away. Anyone with me?

SHADOWS
Well anyway, today is January 7th, 2020. The confetti is all but cleaned up, the streamers are in the trash, and the calendar is brand new. Deep breath...ahhhhh, so this is 2020. But it doesn't take long for things to feel normal again does it? For some reason, the commute this morning is still bumper-to-bumper, co-workers are still grumpy, and junk food made its way to your lunch box. Seems like last year's ho-hums and habits still cast their shadows.

Truth is, a new year is only new if we make it that way. For you and me, a change in year only matters when it changes in here (this is me pointing to my heart). So starting today, no matter what seems old, let's find a way to make it new. The morning workout doesn't happen unless we've spent time in God's word. That commute? Try seeing it as an extended quiet time with the Lord. Those co-workers? Be the only one in the office unwilling to gossip. At lunch, be the first to push away from the table as a way to praise the Lord for the gift of health. And if you can’t train because of either an unforeseen or even a preventable illness, ask God for wisdom as to how He would have us use it for His glory. Slowly but surely, we'll realize the difference is in us. Those weren't shadows after all. It was shade.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRAYFIT
But where was I? Oh, yes. Goosebumps. And why not. It’s our birthday. PrayFit turns 11-years old this week. For over a decade, PrayFit has been my little corner of the world. Wow. Has it been 11 years?

PrayFit is where I rehab, where I fight, write and train. But mostly, this is where I come face-to-face with my smallness, frailty and dependence. Many of you remember me from my mainstream fitness days; the magazines, books and celebrity projects. Others of you remember my first devotion in 2009 or the PrayFit books and DVDs and our HBO sponsorship.

And of course, some of you were there for the surgeries, the illnesses and loss of ability. But regardless, may we be known for what we did with it all. The ups and the downs. Because frankly, being remembered isn't my goal; at least not anymore. Truth is, I just want God to know me, and for my circumstances to be used for His glory. I suppose that’s the foundation for what we want to do for families and kids impacted by disability. I’m unashamed. I’m going all the way. I wasted so much of my health on fitness. I did too much flexing, not enough stooping. I have very little to show for my health or for my work in the gym. But this is my 2nd mountain. Break’s over.

My grandmother, better known as “PalMommy” or “DA” depending on your side of the family, made an amazing blanket like 50 years ago. It was soft and heavy and awesome. I loved it so much as a kid that it made its way to college with me and then eventually to my own home. In fact, I still have it. Still use it. It’s not as heavy. It’s frayed and faded. I suppose you could say it looks its age - much like the old guy it keeps warm - but one thing is for certain. It was knitted. Each stitch was a stroke of love and every color was chosen with care. It served its purpose.

Not sure what made me think of that.

- Jimmy Peña

11 for 11

Help us celebrate the occasion by coming alongside us each month with a gift of $11. Some of you can give more. Some can give less. But whatever you decide, we are so grateful to you. Thank you for helping us continue the mission of PrayFit. Click HERE to donate.