Yoga Lesson

(photo from Yoga From the Heart)

 
Do you ever have the feeling that you've missed the boat?  I had that eerie feeling yesterday morning as I pulled into the parking lot for yoga class.  Too many parked cars, no one walking toward the door.  Granted, there are other businesses in the vicinity and those car could belong to them, but the 15 minutes before class typically brings a flood of people ready to stake their claim on the yoga mat.  Bikrim (hot) yoga has become very popular but not many studios offer it, so this studio is always jam packed, with late comers looking for the few leftover inches that haven't already been claimed.

At first I thought I was one of the unfortunate stragglers, but as I got closer to the door I had this sinking feeling that the class had already begun.  Trust me, you don't want to miss a second of this class because it starts fast and picks up speed from there.  As I put my hand on the door, my heart sank.  Sure enough, right there on the posted sign, 9:00 a.m. not 9:30.  I was not only not early, as I had originally thought, but I was very late.   As I walked dejected back to my car, my spirits lifted at the thought of coming back at night and taking the class then.  It will be harder as I am a morning person and don't thrill at the idea of exercising at night, but the thought gave me hope.

That's the cool thing about second chances.  I may have the nauseating feeling that I've blown it or missed out, but there often comes another opportunity to do or try again ~ like my walk with Christ.  I try to follow in His footsteps but sometimes I lose sight of them, or willingly step off to the side.  In His grace and mercy, I can acknowledge my error and be encouraged to get back on His path.  This thought gives me hope.