(to quote Eugene Peterson’s book title). Yesterday, I found out from the doctor that my focusing on my health by taking vitamins and mineral supplements as well as doing a homeopathic regimin for a couple of months, has pulled me back from the brink of some health problems that would require medication. I’m all for medication if it is necessary but if the illness is due to my lack of exercise and eating well, and can be counter-balanced with those things as well as natural supplements and health “boosts,” then I would rather go that route. Romans 12:1 is taking on more and more of a physical element to me just as my need to be a good steward of creation (through recycling and being aware of my personal carbon imprint) is based on my belief that God created the heavens and the earth (see Genesis 1 and 2).

As we begin this new year, let me encourage each of us personally and each of us who are raising children to take stewardship of our bodies, the temples of the Holy Spirit, seriously and to focus on becoming healthy (which may include losing weight, realizing that all thin people aren’t necessarily healthy). Eat well (organically–to help the earth and to support humane animal husbandry, and locally and in season as much as possible–to help with our carbon imprint due to trucking food over long distances), exercise (walk as much as you can and as far as you can every day), rest (get 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night and/or take a quick nap in the afternoon), and do one fun thing everyday. You will be a better witness to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ to others and especially to your children.