I go through this cycle over and over--and never seem to learn my lesson. And I always feel so convicted. And emotional. And apathetic.
Don't you think that it is important to take care of our bodies? I think we all know we should-but when it comes to taking the steps to do that, it doesn't seem as important as all of the other things in our life. When is that last time we heard a preacher preach a sermon on the importance of taking care of our temples? How often do we gather together for fellowship--but stuff of faces full of the most unheatlhy things we can get our hands on? I feel like in the world of faith, this topic gets overlooked.
Listen...I am preaching to myself. Trust me. But I have been thinking about it more and more. The spiritual and the physical--how are they tied together?
I started doing yoga a couple of months ago. I felt like it was something I could have the energy to do after a long day with my energetic 5 year olds. Something I may be able to stick with. The more I do it, the more I love it. It started as a way to just get some exercise in. And now it is a part of my day I really look forward to. As fun as the physical challenge is--it is a time where I feel like I am mixing the physical with the spiritual. I turn my worship music up, and as I move through the slow movements, and actually take a few minutes to BREATHE, I feel close to God. I feel like the the busyness of the world is on hold for just a little while. I feel like I am doing something good for my body, but also for my faith. I feel like it is time for reflection and prayer and immense thankfulness. Thankfulness that I am healthy. Thankfulness for the ability to move freely without pain. Thankfulness for a God who designed our amazing bodies and our hearts and souls.
The last few weeks, I have really been making an effort to not only exercise, but to eat better. I gave up soda (insert weeping sounds...) and have been limiting sugar intake. I have been drinking water. Lots of water. And now my body literally craves it! We have been eating lots of fruits and veggies around our house. Have we eliminated every unhealthy thing from our diet??? NO! But it's a step in the right direction.
I can honestly say that I feel pretty amazing. My head doesn't feel so cloudy all the time. I am able to focus. I feel like my emotions are more balanced--and that my hubby and students don't have to catch the wrath of my moodiness. I feel more "together" and peaceful, instead of scatter-brained and anxious. I feel in tune with God. And I really like that feeling.
So, all this to say--it's important. It's important for our spiritual lives and our spiritual growth. It's important to take care of what God has given us. We are called to be good stewards of EVERYTHING God has blessed us with--and that includes our bodies. Bad habits die hard, food can become an idol, busyness can become an excuse...but in order to change, you have to acknowledge it. I had to acknowledge that all of that diet coke I have been chugging (for years!) has been harming my body. I had to acknowledge that I am not getting any younger, and that I needed to make some better choices when it came to my health. It hasn't been easy! Trust me, when I get stressed out at work, the first thing I want to do is grab a diet coke and a candy bar--but that isn't the answer. It may appease me for a bit, but the stress is always still there after the high wears off.
Starting small has worked for me. One step at a time. One habit at a time. And it is going to take time. Probably a lifetime. So, don't get discouraged. And don't underestimate your ability to change bad habits--because let's face it, we all have our weaknesses, but friends, that is where God is made strong. It's empowering to know that I can't do it alone--but that I do have the strength of God on my side.
And...that was the longest most "all-over-the-place" post ever :) Hope it encouraged some of you in some small way.
Be blessed!
