As we begin our Lenten journey, we can use this time to reflect upon and prepare our hearts…. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In addition, February is recognized as American Heart Month.
Physically
The Bible reminds us, â€â€¦A heart at peace gives life to the body….†(Prov.14:30)
The following information is adapted from the American Heart Association website www.americanheart.org
Take a moment, close your eyes. Put your hand on your heart. Think about its beat — the power of your life in your hands — how important your heart is.
Only you can love your heart. There are some risk factors for heart disease you can control:
- High blood pressure. This condition can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Smoking. If you smoke, your risk of developing coronary heart disease is two to four times that of nonsmokers. Smoking is also a major preventable cause of stroke.
- High cholesterol. The higher your total blood cholesterol, the greater your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
- Physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity increases your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
- Obesity or overweight. If you have excess body fat — especially at the waist — you’re more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.
- Diabetes. Having diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, especially if your blood sugar is not controlled.
There are other risk factors to be aware of — talk to your doctor about how your age, race and heredity may affect your risk for heart disease.
Emotionally
St. Peter encourages us with these words “…Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart†(1Peter1:22). Love, acceptance and affirmation in our relationships help us to celebrate our oneness as children of God. Learning about all of our emotions assists us in experiencing harmony and wholeness in life.
Spiritually
We can pray these words with the psalmist “… Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.†(Psalm 51:10). We share the good news that it is the Lord who creates purity and wholeness in hearts. At the same time, we understand our need to nourish our spirits. We can care for our spiritual health by setting aside a regular time in our schedules for worship, bible study, prayer and meditation.
We pray that your Lenten experience brings you heart healing peace.
Your Parish Nurses,
Gay, Mary and Sue