The older I get, the more I realize that taking care of me (body, mind and spirit) is more important than I ever thought. Yep…I’m slow like that!
Not only do I want to be healthy as I age, but I’d really like to feel good, too!! Of course, my vanity is mixed in there, so I would be lying if I didn’t include that I would like to look as good as I possibly can 🙂
All I had to do was going snow skiing for four days straight to find out how badly I’ve neglected my body since this winter started! I’m such a sunny day exerciser.
However, I’m finding that it’s harder to bounce back than it used to be. Once I turned 40, I swear my body decided to become a traitor!!! My cholesterol likes to run high, my body aches in places I didn’t even know were there and I gain weight even though I eat less and better than I ever did. GRRRR!!
Sometimes I think I might just lose my mind….
That’s when I sit back, take a deep breath and ask God to lead my thoughts, my actions and my heart. (Well, I do the above after I whine and complain to my husband about how pitiful I am…sigh.)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Taking a rest in God’s Presence allows us to rethink what is important, figure out what actions to take and basically, get ‘right’ with God.
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
Think about it. God doesn’t need a rest, but we certainly do.
Maturity helps us realize that burning the candle at two ends only lasts so long. We find out pretty quickly that we are useless to everyone if we aren’t filling our souls, minds and bodies with the Godly stuff instead of trying to take a short cut. Or worse…travel the world’s Easy Street.
Plus, it doesn’t matter if you did the right things yesterday…YOU STILL HAVE TO DO THEM TODAY!!!
There are no quick fixes to depression, anxiety, being overworked, losing weight, repairing a marriage, teaching our children, getting out of debt or the plethora of other circumstances we might find ourselves in.
Most dead ends that we come across have taken us a long time to get to, so we are fooling ourselves if we think it won’t take a significant amount of time to get out. Sucks…I know.
The Bible is filled to the brim with references for us not to worry. However, it says nothing about having the permission to be lazy. We are encouraged to actively seek a relationship with God so that we are nourished on a minute by minute basis to take on this crazy world we live in!!!
In addition, living out our purpose doesn’t stop just because we find it, accomplish something or get older. Each day is another opportunity to further God’s Kingdom and to fulfill His Will for our lives.
There is no way we will ever be successful at anything (much less doing God’s Will) if we aren’t taking care of ourselves.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1Corinthians 3:16-17
The best solution I have found is to start my day in scripture and keep an open dialogue with God throughout the day. Let me tell you – I can undoubtedly say that I see a difference when I don’t.
SO, take a baby step today and see what happens. A lot of baby steps can equal a whole lot of miles!!
Take care of yourself today!!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 12:22 – Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.
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