40-Day Challenge: Health (Day 13)

Begin with the Prayer of Abandonment.

In a good marriage, each partner takes care of himself or herself, so as to minimize the burden of disease or illness for the sake of the whole family. “Through intemperate living we drive ourselves to sickness, and then patch ourselves up with medicine; but with a sober diet and temperance we might have less need of remedies and keep ourselves in health,” observed St. Thomas More.

But what can be done if one member persists in habits — a sedentary lifestyle, or overindulgence, or smoking — that greatly increase the chances that his or her life will be cut short? Apart from gentle encouragement, good example, and an appeal to reason?

When we have said and done all we can, we must offer the situation back to God and ask Him to deal with the root of the problem. The Holy Spirit can reach into the corners of our loved one’s heart, even those hidden places that even our loved one doesn’t fully understand. When all has been said and done, without effect, there comes a time when the most effective course of action is prayerful silence.

Today’s challenge:  What can you do to take better care of YOUR health – physical, mental, or spiritual? If you are both in need of improvement, find something you can enjoy doing together:  working out, going on a walk, or visiting the farmer’s market.

Today’s prayer:  Father God, you love each of your children equally, and know the inner workings of each heart. Today I entrust ________________ to you, knowing that you love him/her as much as I do.  Give me grace to let go, so you can work in your good time.