A sunbathing update 

This is going to be a bit different than most of my columns!       

A few weeks ago I wrote a column entitled “8 N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T. Pillars”. It was an acronym: N =Nutrition; E =Exercise; W = Water; S = Sunlight; T = Temperance; A = Air; R = Rest and T = Trust in God.

At the heart of the column, which was a synopsis of a two hour podcast on wellness, was an admonition to seek more of the sun’s beneficial rays, like early in the morning or late afternoon, as a source for more vitamin D and other health benefits.

Near the end of the column I promised to follow-up with a report on the results. So that’s what this column is about: the results so far.

In a nutshell, wonderful! So, here’s what we’ve experienced so far:

• With the almost daily rain in Middle GA since I wrote that column, it has been a challenge to be consistent with a brief (15-30 minute) morning time in the sun shortly after it rises high enough, but not too high (9-9:30 AM works best for us). Nevertheless, we’ve missed very few days; far better than I thought because this has required new habit-building, and that’s not easy!
• Physically, we both notice a positive difference. Our color is definitely better. In fact, we both commented as such to each other this morning. That’s partly why I decided to choose this topic for the week. It’s far more than just color but hard to put a finger on it.
• Emotionally it’s been great. Like I said, we’ve had to develop a new morning routine. Where we used to enjoy our morning coffee together while Bess snuggled back into bed as I read the morning scripture to her, a long time routine, Bess now has to slip on a bathing suit while I just peel off my pajama top (oh the joys of masculinity!). I still read the scripture to her, but we also talk about the day’s plans and what’s on our hearts; an emotional huddle just between the two of us before we tackle the day’s chores.
• Overall, a more positive outlook. That’s not to say we’re oblivious to the troubles all around us. In fact, to the contrary because we both work hard at being informed at “What in the world is going on” using various news sources. But I’d say the positive outlook is in spite of the news. 

Of course, part of that is by having a biblical worldview (allowing the timeless truth of the Bible to inform our perspective on life and the world around us).   

I’d say it’s all of the above that allow us to (try not) to be “…anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7).

That’s not easy but it is what we’re directed to do when we hear each day on the news of two very prevalent headlines that just about define our times:

1. “……you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Jesus to his disciples in answer to their question: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” in Matthew 24:6-8), and, 
2. “…..understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”   (II Timothy 3:1-4)

So what are we to do amidst all this trouble while we’re sunbathing? Three things:

1. Be proactive about what you can control. (Google the podcast article: “Vitamin D Expert: The Fastest Way To Dementia & The Big Lie About Sunlight”).
2. Don’t’ be anxious about the things you can’t control because, in spite of how it might appear, God has them all in control, and, most importantly, 
3. If you don’t know this God personally, write me at the email address below. 

Thanks for reading All About Seniors, see you next week!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at  https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA