I have discussed various ways to
look after yourself these past few weeks. We need to look after
ourselves as we are the temple of God. We need to portrait His love
to the world and if we are tired and worn out, we do not have
anything to give. We cannot give what we do not have. And therefore
we need to look after ourselves on a physical level as well. Now
what I am about to say is not news to you, I am sure of it, but
sometimes it is good to recap again some of the knowledge we
already have.
Our bodies need to be nurtured in
order to function at our best. When my boys were smaller I didn't
get much sleep in. They were not the best of sleepers from birth
and I was up most of the night alternating between the two. So I
didn't get the rest my body needed and you know what, it affected
everything I did. My temper was shorter than usual, I felt
depressed for no reason, my memory was affected, my relationship
with them was a bit strained etc. In short I couldn't function at
my optimum best, because my body was not looked after. And I
therefore I couldn't be all God wanted me to be.
This is just a short illustration
of what goes on in all our lives. You might be working very long
hours, you might be travelling a lot for work, you might be in a
bad space emotionally, but the point is it is very important that
you do look after your body. If your body is looked after, you will
function so much better and be able to achieve what God intends for
you. If you feel good physically, you are in a much better
emotional state to reach out to others and be the witness that God
wants you to be. Here are a couple of things (you know most of
them, but let's recap) that will help your body cope better in
today's stressful lifestyle:
- Sleep a good 7-8 hours a day. I know people who sleep 4-5 hours
a day and claim to be fine with it, but the experts tend to agree
that 7-8 hours is the norm for healthy living;
- You must make time for yourself, be quiet for at least 15
minutes a day (It is a pit stop for the soul). I know it is
difficult. Even if you need to lock yourself in the toilet or get
up ten minutes earlier, you need your quiet time to commune with
God.
- Commune with nature and get a bit of sun every day. The Lord is
in each ray of sunlight and in each leaf or flower you touch.
- Breathe in deeply at least 20 times a day and give your brain
the oxygen it needs;
- Get some exercise, even if it is just by taking the flight of
stairs at work instead of the elevator or walking around the block.
Your body will stagnate if it doesn't get the oxygen flowing
through the blood;
- Eat moderately (eat live foods like fruit, vegetables). It is
difficult I know. I also love a chocolate now and again, but at
least try to get more healthy food in. Also try and chew more, your
food will digest easier and you will feel full and thus eat
less;
- Try and read 20 minutes a day something that will build you up
and nourish your soul. Reading your Bible must be at least a part
of the 20 minutes. It is God breathed and when you read it, it is
as if you are inhaling God's breath, His strength and His
power.
Our bodies need to be looked after,
it is our responsibility. And the greater your body feels, the
greater you will feel and the more you can achieve for God. Be
proud of the body God gave you. Look after it and help it to give
it its best shot. You are worth it.
Lord, please help us to look after
our bodies with special care. You made it with precision and
entrusted it to us. Please help us to be good stewards. Amen