Working out is a great way to relieve stress and feel better, so even though it was 3 degrees outside, I went into the garage to complete my work out on my Tony Little Gazelle. I was bundled up in several layers of clothes and I planned to rock and roll. My playlist was ready, and I was all set for a wonderful time of worship and workout.

          About 15 minutes into my work out, the lights in the garage went off automatically and it was completely dark in the garage except for the glow of the heater. The song playing was “Hallelujah For the Cross” by Chris McClarney. As I listened to the lyrics and completed my workout, I heard the song saying, “Where would I be if it wasn’t for the cross?” and I looked up in the darkness of the garage and on the wall glowing in the red light of the heater was a tool in the shape of the cross.

            Suddenly, as I looked around, I could see cross shapes everywhere. On the floor, on the wall, even on the door of the jeep. It was as if God wanted me to be aware of how important the lyrics of this song was in that moment. I completed the next ten minutes of my work out in darkness enjoying the quiet sounds of the songs and peacefulness of my cold space that was warmed in an instance by a loving Father.

            “Oh Halleluiah, thank you Jesus! I was a prisoner, now I’m not, oh with your blood, you bought my freedom, Hallelujah for the Cross.” I felt so close to Him in that instance. He was reminding me of His sacrifice did for me. I was surrounded by a loving Father who wanted me to feel His presence. Even in the cold, dark moments of life, when we are doing the mundane things, like working out, God is there to remind us of His presence, in the form of a Cross.

©2022 Marsha L. Brown