"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
In a recent article published by Runners World Magazine it was reported that, when it comes to losing weight, diet is crucial. However, when the study looked at exercise in addition to calorie reduction, it found that exercise (especially running) added a major boost. Combining the two, they said, not only helped accelerate weight-loss, but the addition of exercise was beneficial for it's many mental and other physical health benefits too. So beneficial in fact that obesity researcher Dr. Yoni Freedhoff said that, "Exercise is the best medicine created."
And if exercise is the best medicine for our bodies, a cheerful heart is most certainly the best medicine for our souls. Soloman knew that when he wrote, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." You see when you and I greet others with enthusiasm, a welcoming hug or a word of encouragement, we, with a cheerful heart shared, can be just what the doctor ordered.
And if you've ever been on the receiving end of an unsolicited smile and instinctively smiled back, you know that cheerfulness is contagious but as Tom Stoddard writes, "don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier." Spreading cheerfulness.... now that's a great idea don't you think?
Heavenly Father, thank you for being the never-changing source of our joy in a world that would seek to crush our spirits. Help us Lord to share the joy that you give us with others that they too might find refreshing medicine for their souls. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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