Life today brings many challenges and opportunities. Jesus said, " I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly." If we are to experience a full and meaningful life, responding in a positive manner to the challenges and opportunities before us, we must "take care of ourselves."
I encourage you to take care of yourself physically. I am blessed to see several people of our fellowship focusing on health improvement. This is evident in their nutrition and exercise. Our body is the temple of God. Therefore, we must take care of it in a manner that will honor God.
We must also take care of ourselves emotionally. Discouragement. disappointment and depression have a way of entering our lives. What are some of the steps we can take to make sure we are emotionally healthy? First of all, resolve each day to have positive thoughts. Build meaningful and durable relationships that will bring blessings in the journey. Take seriously the words of Jesus that "we are to love our neighbor as ourself." This involves not only a healthy relationship with our neighbor, but also, a healthy relationship with ourself.
Last, but certainly not least, we must take care of ourselves spiritually. Soul care is vital to a meaningful journey. I encourage all of us to make sure worship, Bible study and prayer are an important part of our lives. I believe you would be blessed this year to have a book of gratitude, each day writing down the blessing God has shared with you. Also, practice the presence of the living God as you see Him in the world around you.
MY WORD TO YOU AS YOU BEGIN THE JOURNEY OF 2016 IS TO "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF."