Staying F.I.T.

by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer

Summer’s arrival means that we’re all sweating and wishing for a big blue pool to magically appear in the backyard. At least, I am….

Also on top of the summer wish list is to get back into shape. But staying fit doesn’t just include your physical well being—it includes spiritually keeping yourself on track by maintaining a healthy emotional balance.

A few years back, I was obsessed with losing weight and getting back (physically) into shape. However, I lost sight of one very important goal: staying spiritually in shape. Instead, I was focusing all my energy on the physical appearance, lost in the craze of a weight-losing obsession.

I’m sure we have all been there or have known someone whose weight literally “weighed” more on their minds than it should have. One friend of mine would pinch the side of her arm and if she could grab any skin, she thought she was fat.

It is hard to overcome the self-absorbing thoughts of “I wish I looked better,” “Why can’t I be more like that model”, or “I need to be skinnier.” Too often, we become so focused on our own image problems, that we forget that we are beautiful creations of God, regardless of our weight, size, or height.

Even though it’s difficult to shift the focus from ourselves, it can be done. Here’s a simple plan for getting both physically and spiritually into shape:

F—

Figure out how you want to get into shape. Instead of letting stress take over your summer, do something positive that will be both fun and healthy! Take a hike and discover God’s nature all around you. Try some basic exercises and stretches. Go biking. Play tennis with a friend (who preferably doesn’t care if you miss the net a few times). Take a morning jog and listen to music that uplifts God. Go canoeing with your youth group and have fun tipping each other over in the water! Do your devotions outside at a nearby park and then hit the walking tracks. Try small things, like avoiding those nacho chips (sigh!) and soda pops.

I Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

I—

Integrate a positive self image into your life. You don’t have to be a superstar, so relax! The goal is to be healthy and to stay fit, not to look like a model. Sorry, but no one looks that way all time (especially early in the morning when your hair is flying everywhere and the person in the mirror is growling back at you…). The best thing to remember is that God isn’t in the junk-making business. You are precious to Him. After all, every person made in God’s own image is priceless!

Genesis 1:27a
So God created man in his own image…

T—

Take your time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn’t done in a day. Make it a set pattern. In the meantime, don’t let your weight-related worries make you forget to enjoy the summer season!

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Have a wonderful summer!!

Bio: Lydia Rule is keeping busy by walking her dog, exercising, hiking whenever she gets a chance, and of course, doing strenuous finger workouts by typing on the computer. J