Saturday, November 7, 1998
Saturday, November 7, 1998
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good
health, just as it is well with your soul. (3 John 1:2
NRSV)
Paul Harvey told about a lady sometime back who was 103. Her name was Eva Reitzel. When
asked her formula for living to be a healthy, active 103, she responded in only nine words: "Stay
away from doctors--and stay away from men."
I don't want to paint a picture that is too rosy. There are challenges that go with aging. As
someone has said, aging isn't for sissies. Former president Ronald Reagan's announcement that he
has Alzheimer's brought home the tragedy of that still-to-be-solved disease.
Of course what really matters is not the condition of our bodies, but the condition of our soul. It
is good that people today are taking better care of their bodies. These bodies, properly
maintained, will last us a long time. But life should never be measured by its length. Who are you
on the inside? That's what really counts. What do you value? How are you as a citizen of the
community? How are you in relation to your family? How are you as a faithful Christian?
Prayer: God of all, help me to be healthy in body and soul. Amen.
Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA