Have you ever wondered why the flight attendant asked you in case of an emergency to put your oxygen mask on first? It's because you have to able enough to help others!

Jesus had a normal childhood from all accounts. He matured mentally and physically through adolescences and maintained close relationships with God the Father and others.

Complete health includes growing mentally, physically, spiritually and relationally.

Here we find a beautiful example of balance—growing mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. It is helpful to inventory your life according to these areas.

1. Mental—What exercise is to the body, reading is to the mind. Consider this convicting axiom: "The person who doesn't read is no better off than the person who can't read," The disciplines of reading and writing sharpen the mind. There are enrichment classes, seminars, and programs that promise to stimulate and equip your mind.

2. Physical—One evening a husband slammed down a book he was reading and stared intently at his wife. "I'm through sitting around here with you all the time," he shouted. "I want to find someone I can have fun with. I'm going to shower, shave, and use some of that cologne I just bought. I'll put on my best suit. After that, I'm coming back down here, and guess who's going to knot my new silk tie for me?"

His wife slowly glanced up from her magazine and replied, "The undertaker?"

Perhaps your wife feels like this woman—she can't take you seriously when you say you're going to get dressed up and take her out on a date. Maybe your wife makes jokes because it has been a long time since you made your appearance a priority.

I hate to exercise, but I love it if I can do something else at the same time so my mind is not on the treadmill. I have found it this year. I can read the Bible or other books while on the treadmill but even better for me, I can type on my computer and do emails and other typing projects while on the treadmill.

3. Spiritual—Jack successfully kept possession of the relationship ball by reprioritizing this key area of his life. He became regularly involved in church and didn't leave his spirituality on the church steps each week. He became a spiritual presence in his home. Jack and his wife pray together now on a daily basis. He kneels at the kids' bedsides to pray with them each night. As a result, he continues to advance spiritually, and his spiritual growth is a deep source of pride for his wife.

4. Social—Perhaps socially, you feel like the man who was walking with his wife in the park. The couple noticed two lovers sitting on a bench, passionately kissing.

"Why don't you do that?" said the wife.

"Dear," explained her husband, "I don't even know that woman!"

If in the past you have misunderstood your wife's romantic hints or have become boring over the years, make changes in this area. Make a pledge this year to have more singles or families over for dinner.

Are you always learning, renewing your mind, and taking in new information?
Are you physically healthy, in playing shape, or are you more of a couch potato?
Are you advancing spiritually, or would the Lord tag you "spiritually lukewarm"?

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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