Good health is a gift!

Scripture: “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness You restore him to full health.” Psalm 41:3

I was in and out of clinics and doctor’s offices this week. I recently visited a good friend in the hospital. She is about my age (I’m not ashamed to say 40…-ish) but she is living with a number of health ailments. I also have a loved one who is what the medical community deems “chronically ill.”

Yesterday, my loved one received orders to stay off a foot, because it needs time to heal. This meant a planned vacation would be cancelled. This news, on top of going in and out of medical facilities, nearly threw me into a tizzy. Things around me seemed to be out of my control. I found myself wanting so desperately to seek comfort in my old friend, food. It didn’t matter what it was—salty chips, creamy peanut butter, sweet and smooth ice cream, a huge juicy burger with fries.

Food has been the one constant in my life for years. I knew that whatever the situation, it would taste good and would not let me down.

So I thought.

Now, my journey toward good health and an active lifestyle is showing me otherwise.

No, food is not my enemy. However, I am learning by re-training my thoughts and actions that food has a purpose: to sustain me, to give me energy to live out this healthy lifestyle. Do I like for my food to taste good? Of course, but I have to pray for discipline not to overindulge, nor to eat impulsively.

The main motivation is that these days, I feel so much better. I walk taller, I am stronger, I know I am doing my body good. And those points have been driven home in seeing my friend and loved one hurting in their bodies. I pray for them, and realize that but for the grace of God, I could be in worse shape. But I am a fighter. I am fighting with every better food choice I make, I am fighting with every rotation of the bicycle, with every ache in sore muscles. I am fighting to live, and not only exist, but live a quality life.

Power Prayer Nugget: Father God, You are so gracious and merciful. Thank You for Your power to heal us physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I am indeed grateful to be ALIVE! Amen.