We have all heard the phrase ‘health is wealth’ thrown around. I however often wonder if we really understand what it means. Health simply refers to fitness of the mind, soul and body. If the mind is unwell, then one is unhealthy.

Last year, I joined a fitfam fellowship group (YES, fitfam fellowship). Not because I was obese, but because I was searching for how to do things better. A few people couldn’t understand why, as they were of the opinion that I was not overweight and didn’t need exercise (I have been hearing that for years). At our first meeting, I was introduced to a different interpretation of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

These verses were related to what we feed on both physically and spiritually and how this affects our service to God. I then started to ponder, what do I eat? Am I taking care of my physical body? Will God be happy with my present state? Can I truly serve Him wholly in my present state? The honest answer was NO. Prior to then, I had joined the gym but I was going in at intervals, I ate 60-70 per cent healthy (I know you’re thinking that’s not bad, but for me it was not enough). I thought back to some years ago when I was really active, working out 5-6 days a week and eating 60 -70 per cent healthy. The difference between both times – age, stage in life and work hours. I then decided to step things up and I can tell you things changed.

My schedule became crazy to those who didn’t understand my goal but totally rational to me. I completely cut out fried foods, sugar – a great weakness as I have a sweet tooth. I would get offered chocolate and politely decline. I never thought that could happen. I guess when one is focused on the destination, nothing is impossible. I loved fitfam fellowship because we were accountable to each other – posting pre or post workout pictures and meal pictures at least thrice a week, detoxing on Thursdays and meeting up on Sunday to fellowship.

I started working out 5 times a week – 3 days at the gym, 2 days at home. My daily routine changed. I woke up at 4:45 for bible study and prayers, worked out right after and went on to get ready for the day. I never thought this could happen, considering I am a working wife and mother with toddlers.

My choice to be fitter and healthier came with its challenges, as it meant not seeing my children on some mornings before they went off to school, eating different meals from everyone else, attending events and not being able to eat (I hardly eat at functions, but would have typically requested a plate of small chops especially puff puff).

There were days when I would go to the gym and almost give up, but then my motivating verse ‘I can do all things with Christ who strengthens me’ (Phillipians 4:13) will come to mind and I would keep going. If I felt too weak to exercise, then I would sit it out as I was not trying to kill myself (considering this involved no medals). There were days or weeks I could do nothing because my children at intervals needed mummy’s undivided attention in one form or other times when I felt poorly or had a project to deliver,….These days did not stop me from attaining my goal.

My focus was on fat loss, not weight loss as I have always been within my ideal weight range. Some see me and think I have lost a lot of weight, I WISH. I have slipped in last month as life has happened. I however intend to continue on this journey to being healthy, for what is the use of having all the money in the world if one is too ill to spend it?

I have no idea how I fit health and fitness into my routine, but I know that prioritizing it has made a big difference. I feel my choice has helped me serve God better, even if it is by encouraging others to take care of themselves as I am spending time taking care of me. Of what use am I to God if I am ill?

Dear woman of God, I know life is tough. You can however make the choice to take care of YOU, bringing out the best in YOU, being YOUR best self for your maker…. Find a small group, create a small group, do something, push yourself. Do you, become your best self. A fitter, stronger and healthier version of YOURSELF = a stronger YOU serving God. Yes I know physical fitness cannot be compared to spiritual fitness, but I know God wants us all to be healthy. Christ already took all our sicknesses and diseases away, why bring them back?

Have a healthy 2017.

“It is health which is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver”. Mahatma Gandhi