14 Keys To Lasting Love Sample

 Taking Care of You: Personal Health

Devotional

I don’t think we often recognize the importance of taking care of our health in taking care of our marriage. I look at “issues in marriage” lists all the time and have yet to see personal health crack a list. Yet, when we surveyed couples in writing this book, it was one of the areas of concern. The problem is that we just don’t talk about it very much as it relates to marriage.  

Look at it this way. If you are working on your marriage (and you are, or you would not be reading this plan), you want it to be better. The better it gets, the more time you want to have together. Right? So taking care of yourself is really good for your marriage. It starts with a daily routine of good hygiene which makes routine checkups with the doctor and dentist a lot easier. Then how would you rate your physical conditioning? If you are in pretty good shape, keep doing what you are doing. If you aren’t, start somewhere! Take a walk. Join a gym. Get a personal trainer. Do push ups. Any exercise is better than none. Hopefully, as you get in better shape, you will feel better and and that will motivate you to keep it up.  

In the United States, many people don’t eat well. I get it! Unhealthy food can taste a lot better than healthy food - until you get used to it. It’s really about balance. I love a good hamburger and fries but I can’t eat that every day. So Nancy and I eat healthily during the week so we can splurge a little on the weekends. It works well for us.  

This next point is really for the guys because, in general, I don’t think we do this well. If you are having a health issue, go see a doctor. Most likely it is an easy fix and if it needs more, the sooner the better. Taking this whole idea of taking care of yourself seriously  will help your marriage. You will look better and feel better and you can get back to pursuing each other like you used to. That is a key to a lasting relationship.

Today’s Challenge

Take time to answer these questions together:

How much sleep do you get on average? Is it enough?

How healthfully do you eat? Do you need to make changes?

How often do you exercise? Is it adequate to keep you healthy?

When was the last time you had a medical checkup? Do you need to make an appointment?

How can you support each other in developing a plan for the best personal health possible?

Going Deeper

As part of taking care of yourself, set a time each year to evaluate yourselves on personal health issues. Hold each other accountable. Most of all, enjoy the fruits of your hard work!