Who’s Responsible for Your Body? You Are!

“You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, glorify God with your body” 1 Cor. 6: 20
 

Watching the Olympian athletes pushing their bodies to the limit fills me with admiration. I have, and never will, be an athlete in any way--but I do try and lift weights, do deep knee bends, and generally make my body do things it would rather not! I need to, if I want to stay somewhat flexible and alive!

I remember the day, over 25 years ago, that my doctor pronounced I now had the same disease as my mother and grandmother: Diabetes. He had been following me for ten years as a pre-diabetic, so it wasn’t a shock.

But it did make me face some choices and changes.

I took a walk that day to talk to God about the news and I remember praying:

“Lord, You know all about my health and that this disease can shorten my life.  You have given me one life to live for you and to encourage others to know you as the Living God who changes lives. 

Show me what I need to do to stay as healthy as possible. Give me the willingness to change my diet and be more disciplined about exercise. 
 
Help me value and care for the one body You have given me. Amen.” 

Before that commitment to care for my body, I remember walking into an exercise class and being astounded at all the white-haired women prancing around and stretching themselves like pretzels! 
 
Even though I was years younger than most of them, I was exhausted after ten minutes trying to keep up! And I gave up!

Today, I try to make the gym three times a week and take walks on the days I don’t make it. What amazes me is that now I often want to go and work out!  Who would have thought!

Here are some facts that motivate me:

Without regular exercise:  I will get stiffer and slower as the years go by--and so will you. In addition, for those of us who are diabetic, it is an essential part of keeping our bodies as healthy as possible.

We’re never too old to begin: No one is ever too old, undisciplined, or out-of-shape to begin. In fact, if you're not currently active, you stand to gain the most health benefits from moving your body. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Physical activity is vital for healthy aging. It makes you feel good and releases chemicals that ward off depression and anxiety.
• Getting out of your chair and working out improves your balance.
• Exercise keeps you flexible and gives you more stamina.
• It helps you control those extra pounds that seem to appear overnight!

Need more motivation? Ask yourself:

Do I really want to be in a high-risk group for heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes? 

Wouldn't I rather put a stop to those creaking and grinding noises, and be able to tie my shoelaces without risking major injury?

IF SO:

WHAT AM I WILLING TO DO ABOUT IT? Anything?????

WHEN? Write it down!   

HOW OFTEN? Commit to at least 3 times a week.

FOR HOW LONG? At least 30 minutes.  

WHAT WILL I DO WITH GOD’S HELP? Pray!   

WHO CAN I ASK TO HELP ME FOLLOW THROUGH? A friend, class, coach?

If you want to have a body that does what you want it to, for as long as possible, recognize it is a gift. Ask God how you can glorify Him through taking care of it.

Listen—and Just Do It!

For more encouragement and help to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, be sure and download my FREE Ebook here.
 
Blessings,
Poppy

For further insights into aging well, read my book, I'm Too Young to Be This Old.