A Full Life

In "Workout Your Faith" I have talked a lot about motivation and planning.  Today I want to make an attempt at linking the desires we have to be more fit in all aspects of our lives with our spiritual hearts.

The photo in today's piece was taken this past Friday night at the Relay for Life event in my hometown and includes two members of my church family who have survived cancer, and my daughter.  This couple lives today with joy and the most indomitable spirit I have likely ever seen.  Mr. Bill always has a laugh and a witty word for anyone that comes around.  Miss Glenda fights on with the gentleness and kindness of a southern debutante who has the inner warrior mentality to take on cancer and its multiple recurrences.  These two symbolize why my family chooses to Relay.

We all make choices and they put us into the places we are right now.  Yes I understand that there are things that are thrust upon us that we may not have desired or asked for, but the true measure of our character is how we respond.  That response will inevitably be more appropriate, though not always perfect, when we are prepared.  Preparation for the situations we are put into comes in many forms but ultimately comes down to a few simple things; faith, relationships, fitness and the study of others.

Faith as my writings would indicate is the cornerstone for all things.  Without my faith I would not only be lost in the spiritual sense, but lost on my life journey as well.  Faith grounds us and gives us a stability to know that God is with us and that we can face anything with Him.  

 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.    Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV from www.biblegateway.com

In the Christian belief this is joy.  We often want to think of joy in the same way as we think of happiness, but true joy is so much more.  It is summed up so well by the Apostle Paul in this verse.  Christian joy is what is characterized by Mr. Bill and Miss Glenda and the way they share that joy with others.  Are you taking care of your faith today?  It is the pathway to joy.

Relationships also play a huge role in how we respond to adversity.  It is far more difficult to face the troubles of this world when we walk alone.  God has instituted both marriage and His church as vehicles to form relationships that are sustaining and fruitful.  In the book of Genesis God created Eve as the help mate for Adam, and in the New Testament we are instructed to bear one another's burdens.  Today you may be floating along pretty much going it alone, but when darker more challenging times arise you will need to be connected to others.  Always be working on mutually beneficial relationships that will multiply your joy and gives you refuge in the storm.

Fitness is also vital to help us through the difficulties we face.  First if we have made fitness a priority it dramatically lowers our risk for many of the most common and debilitating diseases.  Note that I said lowers the risk, it does not provide complete immunity.  However, if we are faced with a disease or are injured in some way our ability to withstand it and to begin the fight are greatly enhanced if we have the physical strength of a fit body.  Another key in this is that fitness is mental, to gain or remain fit requires mental discipline.  When difficulties beset us then it is this sort of mental discipline that will be of tremendous importance in carrying out the treatment plans and enduring the various trials along the path to restoration.

The final area is the study of others which may sound odd at first blush.  It is important to see how others who have gone before us have dealt with adversity, and with prosperity or abundance.  This gives us clues as to how to respond in any situation.  The Bible is a wonderful beginning point to show us the patience of Job, the ups and downs of David "a man after God's own heart", the quest for wisdom of Solomon, or the steadfast spirit of the Apostle Paul just to name a few.  The Bible is not the only place we can find these character studies, there are thousands upon thousands of books available at your local library, bookstore, or online marketplace that can give us great insight as well.

Reaching back up into the words above, building relationships and watching those around you is also a great way to learn.

It is my hope that you will take a look at these areas of your life and build them up so that you can move forward, and DO WELL!