19. The bricks in our lives (12)

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

 

 

1 comment for “19. The bricks in our lives (12)”

  1. Gravatar of MariskaMariska
    Posted Thursday, 04 August 2016 at 9:09:15 AM

    Ek onthou op skool het ons altyd geleer "'n gesonde liggaam huisves 'n gesonde gees."
    Dankie vir die praktiese wenke.

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