Getting Real with Ourselves

Last year at this time, I was coming to grips with a health related challenge that manifested itself in October of 2007. High cholesterol and high blood pressure resulting from too much weight, poor eating, stress, and a lack of regular exercise nearly floored me. I was just getting started with medications, new eating habits, and regular exercise in November of 2007. A year later, I would give myself a B+ grade concerning how well I’ve dealt with my health challenge. For seven months (Dec. of 2007 to July of 2008) I worked hard, watched diligently what I ate, exercised regularly and kept my blood pressure at a perfect low level. In that time I lost 50 pounds and generally felt good. In July my grandmother passed away and we entered into a demanding time pastorally at F.C.C. Through the summer months I kayaked a few times a week at Charles Mills Lake, but I stopped my other exercise regiment, and eased back on my stringent eating practices. Truthfully, I allowed myself to become reacquainted with sweets (my downfall) as a means of reducing stress, and increased my portion sizes in addition to total food intake. Before long, my blood pressure was up again and I had put 8-10 pounds back on. I’ve come to the realization that medicine is not enough to overcome my health challenge. When I’m stressed (and who isn’t stressed these days) I want a cookie or a piece of pie, and even though I know that exercising will help, I can talk myself out of it in a minute. Fortunately, I’m one month back into using the treadmill daily, and began a new strength training regiment this week. My blood pressure has gone down and I’m feeling good, but I haven’t totally dealt with the eating challenge yet. Isn’t it funny how often we know what we have to do, but making it happen is another issue. Usually, upon close examination there is a good reason why we hit these “blockages” when it comes to moving forward. We are usually gaining something from the unhealthy practices. In my case, eating sweets seems to produce a positive affect on stress, however I know that it’s actually making me feel good and killing me at the same time. Spiritually speaking, there are habits and practices that can make us feel good but actually are killing us spiritually. Gossiping, failing to pray, failing to read and study God’s word, failing to worship regularly, neglecting to find a way to use our gifts to serve the Lord will all take a toll on our overall spiritual health. We may be experiencing some momentary sense of feeling good from sleeping in on Sunday or choosing to watch television instead of spending time with the Bible, but eventually our souls will pay the price. I’m going to fight this blood pressure thing, which means I will have to deal with my eating habits. What is it that you need to do for your body and soul in the days ahead? Maybe this season of Thanksgiving will remind us of all that we have to live for, and encourage us to live in ways that gratefully praise the Father of light.