I purchased my first mask this weekend. Up until now I have been using the “surgeon general’s homemade mask” made out of cloth and hairties/rubber bands. I figured it looks like we’re in this for the long haul, and…well…if we make it through this, it might make for a good memento. 
But being healthy isn’t just about masks and washing your hands and staying in. Some of you are displaying signs of unhealth in your despair and withdrawing. Some of you are showing signs of unhealth in your “nobody knows the troubles I have…” attitudes. Some of you are showing signs of your unhealth in how you’re giving in to things that have addictive qualities. Some of you are showing your unhealth in other ways, and it probably doesn’t take too long of a look to see them. As your pastor, I get to pull out the “First Use of the Law” on you here and say, ‘STOP IT’. In the immortal words of Ice Cube, please, “check yo self before you wreck you self.”
Here’s a good diagnostic. Check your health in these nine areas identified by FSU’s Live Well program:
- Social Wellness – Sure, we can’t get together like we once did, but are you even talking to anyone? Social media doesn’t necessarily count here. A phone call would be better. Or set up a Zoom happy hour. Actually talk to someone, especially if you live alone.
- Environmental Wellness – This has to do with where you live, which is WAY more important if all of the sudden you find that where you live is also where you work. Take some time and clean house…or maybe…clean you…a shower can do amazing things.
- Intellectual Wellness – Don’t starve your brain. You may have more time on your hands. Make it count. Challenge yourself with writing a research paper just because or a book report.
- Occupational Wellness – Take some time to reflect on your job. What are your professional goals? How are you working around the weirdness of this Zoom saturated lifestyle to still try achieving those goals? Are you working too much? Has moving your job into your home caused occupational weirdness?
- Financial Wellness – Are you expecting a downturned economy? Do you feel like you’re ready for that? Or do you feel like you’re saving a ton of money? Check your finances to make sure that you will be healthy and on good ground when we all get back to ‘real life’. Don’t ignore your bank account because you’re afraid of it.
- Emotional Wellness – Are you sad? depressed? angry? Do people seem like they are pushing away from you because you’re always in a bad mood? You might want to talk to someone about that. You can start off with PJ.
- Creative Wellness – We were made by a God who loves to create, and we inherited that trait from Him. Are you engaging your creative side? Have you given yourself to just “play around” with something? It might be time.
- Physical Wellness – Again, this isn’t just about masks. It’s about seeing your body one of the supports for your mind and spirit. Take a few extra walks. Get some energy out. Or do the opposite, take a nap or figure out a way to go to bed early. Get what your body needs. God loves that body. He made it. Treat it like you recognize that.
- Spiritual Wellness – I know a bunch of you feel like you’re not getting what you need in this age of “online church” and that a bunch are flat out refusing to even try it. I’m sorry about that and we’re continually working to try to give you what you need, but you may also have take a little initiative. Maybe picking up that Bible is a good idea. Start in the Psalms. Or give someone a call and ask to pray with them. Give me a call. I’ll be happy to do that.
Regardless of your level of wellness, keep in mind that none of us are completely “well” on this side of the Resurrection. Some of us are better at one of these nine. That’s a great thing, because we’re the body of Christ. We can help each other out, Christ has Baptized us to do so. If you’re really on the “I’m super good at this” then share that wellness somehow with the people around you.
Remember that we’re all hurting in this time. We all need to hear that we’re loved by God and one another. Forgive often. Share joy and peace and comfort. We’ll get through this. Christ forgives your unhealth and offers you health in His Body. We shall be healed.