Lessons from Stretch

Do you remember Stretch Armstrong?

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It was a great toy, meant to be stretched–stretched hard, until its arms and legs were spaghetti-thin. And the amazing thing was it always bounced back to its original look. You couldn’t tell it had even been played with.

I used to wonder how that happened. What made the toy return to its same shape and size after being pulled and twisted mercilessly? And perhaps secretly thinking how great it would be to possess that ability.

Since those long-ago days, I’ve experienced pulling and twisting in my own in life (I’m sure you have as well), but now, looking back, I’m grateful I haven’t returned to the same condition I was in before those experiences. It would be rather sad to think nothing came of such hardship and pain.

Stretching has purpose. Although perceived to be safe, returning to the same condition we were in, as Stretch Armstrong did, wastes our experiences.  Just like babies stretch to grow, so too, do we as adults.

So pray for the kind of stretching that leaves you different, that conditions you to grow in wisdom, compassion, inspiration, and faith.

Embrace the pulling to reveal the masterpiece.

^“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2–4).

Share in the Discussion: Looking back, how have you grown from being stretched? Can you think of positive ways to stretch yourself further?

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*Photo attributed to Alex Beattie.