In body. That’s why it’s important to eat well. All the time. One healthy meal in the midst of an unhealthy diet won’t do you much good. The benefits of exercise are cumulative, not a one-time fix. It’s why we have doctors that we go to for regular checkups, or when something in our body is in pain or not functioning properly. We never arrive at a place where our bodies are 100% healthy.
In soul. That’s why prayer is best as a daily practice. Praying in an emergency, “Oh, God! Help!” is good. I highly recommend it. But regular prayer that builds deeper connection and relationship with God makes even those “Oh, God! Help!” moments somehow not so anxious. That’s why other practices like reading the Scriptures, worship, service, fasting, lamenting, silence, and solitude are best experienced in some kind of rhythm, with some kind of regularity. Regular maintenance is a must. We never arrive at a place where our souls are 100% healthy.
In relationships. That’s why spending intentional time with loved ones and friends can’t just be at major holidays, or only on crowded occasions. That’s why listening is such an important art form to develop. That’s why asking and extending forgiveness ought to become reflexive responses. We’re always hurting or being hurt by someone. That’s why asking, “Are we OK?” when we get even the slightest sense something might be off is one of the best questions we can ever ask. We never arrive at a place where our relationships are 100% healthy.
