Reflection for Monday, April 16, 2018: 3rd Week in Easter.

Abstract

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.|Work, life, balance continues to be a mantra for me. In today’s reading John, Chapter 6 shares our Risen Lords message “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life." How do I ensure my ‘balance’ incorporates caring for my spirit and working for the food that endures for eternal life? I can easily identify other attributes of caring for self. Eat berries, bananas, dark green and bright colored vegetables, fish and chicken, lean beef, lentils, small meals…this could be described as good nutrition. Exercise at least 150 minutes a week…walk, swim, run, or bicycle. Lift weights 2-3 times a week. Again these are healthy practices. Spending time with significant others, friends, family and other community members are important for my well being. My dissertation focused on healthy lifestyle change and there are many models and frameworks that identify key attributes of health. Recently, I attended the dissertation of a colleague who’s topic of study was well being. Gallup’s model of ‘well being’ was one of the frameworks utilized. In this framework concepts related to ‘well being' included career, social, financial, physical and community.|But where is the spirit in my work, life, balance? I must be as intentional with my spirit as I am with my nutrition, exercise and social practices and not create ‘silo’s ‘ but blend them into a beautiful union. God offers me that opportunity daily, to take time to find God in the everyday events of life and give thanks. The early moments in a day when it is quiet and peaceful…the busy, hectic workday thanking God for my gifts and talents and the talents of others…the late afternoon or early evening slow down, tired from the day, anxious to return ‘home’ to rest and relax for the next day….thanking God for that special place. But I must be intentional about my prayers in the morning, throughout the day and in the evening. If I do this then my ‘choices’ for the day are in harmony with Jesus, our Risen Lord.