4 fitnesses

Being fit physically is a beneficial thing, however to lead a healthy life you must also consider spiritual fitness, emotional fitness and mental fitness. All exist together to create a perfect harmony within us. When one area is lacking all areas experience strain. Unfortunately, in America we tend to emphasize on anything that is pleasing to the eye and steals our attention, rather then the more lasting and genuine development of our character. I have been caught red-handed in this dilemma myself-- pushing myself to work my body harder and longer, eating a restricted diet, shopping for the latest fashions, expending most of my energy on outward appearances. Though I felt exhausted from all the physical labor of keeping my body in submission, I came to realize that physical fitness is truly the easiest of the 4 arenas to achieve. Strengthening my biceps is much easier for me then disciplining my mind. Doing 200 crunches might build me a six pack but it wont build me integrity. I could do squats and lounges until the sun sets but I wont gain salvation.

Why am I bringing this up, you ask? I cant ignore the many circumstances I have encountered that have brought me back to this point. Whether it was working in a nursing facility and witnessing the frail bodies and traveling minds of the elderly, or sharing in the pain over the sudden death of a 'fit as a fiddle', 24 year old co-worker, or seeing how in an instant thousands of lives can vanish as two towers crumble to the ground.

In the Nursing facility I learned that the men who had served our country in the military were by far the most mentally sharp even at age 101! The discipline and focus that they had learned all those years kept them sane. Even though we have technology to help us move at a faster pace, it also acts as a disservice by spoon feeding us answers we once had to search for. I present a challenge, lets commit to not using technological advances for one week. Observe how many times you actually have to use math, pull out a map, or work on your penmanship...I know for me it's embarrassing. There's no denying the expression 'use it or lose it'.

And with the co-worker; he was one who had everything in the world's eye...he was tall, confident, muscular, handsome, appeared to have all things going for him...yet it was only that. Appearance. Not even 24hours had passed since we signed off with each other that night at work, when I received a phone call informing me that he had been pronounced dead due to heart complications in the small hours of the next morning. I don't know if he was prepared for death, but there was no choice. His passing definitely brought me to my senses. Someone I consider to be very wise once told me, " you have never really lived until you have been faced with death". This is where spiritual fitness lends it's hand to stabilize our lives. Death is one thing guaranteed in this life, and its something we all share a commonality in. The only difference between two souls are the choices and beliefs that determine the definition of death in one's life. With faith, death is but an entry in to true life, without faith death is your expiration date. ('Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see'.--Hebrews 11:1, NIV) Without faith your spiritual fitness is famished, which massively interrupts balance in the larger picture.

The Twin Towers falling on 9/11 released enormous out-pours of emotion in our homeland. Love and sympathy and many tears were sent from all states to support those who were lost, and for those who had lost. Cards, flags, pictures, bouquets and all remnants of memorabilia lined the blocks surrounding the devastating mountain of debris, twisted and tangled with brokenness. Emotional fitness can be quite the challenge for both men and women, but I can proudly compliment our nation, that on a day filled with such turmoil and terror Americans expressed emotion in a very refreshing way. Do you remember where you were on that fateful day? Do you remember the weeks, months and even years that came after that tragic day? I cannot forget walking the streets of lower Manhattan just 5 short months after the attack and experiencing the unity of those who lived and worked there day in and day out. Such tragedy for our nation also brought such unity and genuine comradery. The selfish pride that once chimed in America had now been brought to humility. Humility opens the door for relationship, and that was something that impacted me so greatly when I was there. I met top C.E.O.'s and convenience stand workers, firefighters and policemen, men, women, and children, and all were coming together as equals, each seeking and sharing comfort with one another. My lesson on emotional fitness is one I will never be able to overlook.

All in all, my challenge in life everyday is to live in balance, in health, and in love. Moderation is essential for true satisfaction. Though we have much opportunity for instant gratification these days, deprive yourself from it. Be present in everyday, live it being prepared if it's your last, and love the people around you---' act toward others as you would have them act toward you'...I guarantee you the 4 fitnesses will be then in perfect harmony.