As I posted to the CCAR blogroll which you can find here:

So on my way to T’fillah I stopped by the gym for my morning workout I saw the words painted on the side of the wall: “LIfe Is a Challenge”. I’m sure it was meant to be a motivator for exercise, but at the CCAR it gives me pause. Sure it makes for good blues riffs, but good theology it ain’t. Yeah, I know if I’m looking to the wall of the gym for theology (especially in a hotel) then I’m in trouble, but if we take seriously the Chasidic notion that God is everywhere and opportunities for elevation are everywhere (thank you Mishkan T’fillah), then why not be challenged spiritually while on the treadmill. Baruch Atah Adonai: thank you God for the opportunity to be challenged to seek your Face even in a slogan on a wall.