The new year begins in just five days. I’ve spent the last two days in Ecclesiastes, reading about times and seasons . . . and health?!? There it was, in black and white:
“Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 NLT).
Now I may have earned every one of the gray hairs on my head, but I still consider myself to be on the young side of life. If that’s true, this passage applies to me. The beginning of chapter 12 describes old age, and I’m not there yet — I can still see the light of the sun, moon, and stars; my legs don’t tremble and my shoulders don’t droop; my teeth haven’t all fallen out; I can still hear; I’m not afraid of falling; and I don’t move around without energy like a dying grasshopper. Read it for yourself! Solomon sure knew how to put things into perspective, didn’t he?
Along with a new year come new goals and priorities for a lot of people. I think I read this verse at just the right time! “Keep your body healthy.”
Life is uncertain. We do not know the number of our days, but God does. “Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16).
Each day is a gift. “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:16-17).
Having a healthy body for as long as possible would surely help us to do more of what Christ asks of us, don’t you think?
I’m certainly not here to give health advice. But I am reminding you that you only have a limited number of days on this earth, and your health will affect how you spend them.
I, for one, will be moving more and eating better, to start. How about you? Have you given thought to any health goals for the new year? Remember, specific, measurable goals are more likely to be achieved than vague ones. I’ve shared my vague goals, but sharing my specific ones would give away how unhealthy I’ve become–no full disclosure here!! Let’s just say my dog would really like to take more walks on the beach . . .
Let’s get moving, shall we?
Photo by Rufus O’Dea on Unsplash
Lauri Hawley 