How Far Will You Go to Be Healthy
We Can't Quit
There is too much on the line here. This is the third day of 21 Days to Good to Me and our health is day by day becoming a priority. Not just our physical health but our emotional health as well. We are coming to grips with the question, "if I don't take care of myself, who will?" God is opening my eyes to the blessings that he has for me that are beyond the coffee and chocolate that I am settling for as substitutes for joy. As I think of the dreams that God has placed within me- of grandchildren, writing a book, missions in other countries, I can't help but think that I have a role to play. Those dreams may be more fully realized and more deeply enjoyed if I am healthy.
We want good things for those we love
In no way am I saying that I could avoid the health challenges of growing older, and I do not believe that God can only use us when we are healthy. These three weeks are about beginning a journey of taking care of myself so that I can live the abundant life God has offered to me as well as possible. It is so easy to want this for those we love, but seems selfish when we choose it for ourselves.We plan healthy meals for our children, remind them to drink enough water, drive them to sport activity after sport activity, plan parties for their enjoyment, coordinate time for them to be with friends, schedule doctor appointments, give them a bedtime, and buy healthy snacks. Why? Because we want them to be healthy. Why? We want good things for our children.Do you want good things for yourself?
Big 5
Again, here are the Big 5 that I chose to start this new journey.
- Get eight hours of sleep.
- Drink half of my body weight in ounces of water.
- Eat clean- no refined sugar or processed foods. (The most intimidating one for me.)
- Exercise 20 minutes each day.
- Write down one positive statement about myself in my journal or on a sticky note or on my mirror.
Yesterday I did not get my eight hours of sleep. I planned for it. I said no to other things, but life does not always cooperate. [by that I mean children] So I will try again tonight. It's okay. I did manage the other four and if it's true that one good choice leads to another, then I believe one good day leads to another. I'm on a roll!
Today's Good to Me Challenge
Write down your worries and current sources of stress. Pray over each one, giving them to God. Throw the paper away thanking God for being a good Father.In Philippians 4 we are told "do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."We can thank Jesus right now that we do not have to carry these burdens. We can release them into his hands and trust that the God of the universe, the creator of all things can completely handle them. We can trust that we are in his care. Stress can wreak havoc on our health.