I'm not sure why we care for our own health less than we do those we minister to. This CT article is fairly grim about pastors and their health. I've seen so much cancer and death in the ministry, that I have grown angry about it all. Angry enough to do something about it in my life and my families life. Truth is, many, far too many pastors are overweight and not exercising much. I don't know what they are eating, but I'll bet it's none too healthy either.

When my wife got cancer and began dealing with all that a cancer diagnosis means, I began to change. I should have changed a long time ago. If I had half a brain, I would have started taking better care of myself sooner. But hey, I'm just like most folks, I waited until I heard bad news before I made some changes. And I still need to make some changes.

So what does it take? For me, I realized that I have to lead people into better health. And I can't do that if I'm talking the talk but not walking the walk. One of the best places to start is Leonard Sweet's book, The Jesus Prescription for a Healthy Life. I like the last two words, I've taken them apart for my own sense of health, Heal-Thy-Life.  His book is not about conventional health care so much, but about the whole picture from having good friends and relationships to laughter as medicine. But it's a great place to start.

My wife is doing pretty well btw. If you want to take a look at someone who has made some changes, take a look at her. She's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to good health. I can learn a lot from her. I'm her pastor, but I need to learn to make some changes, and so do most of us pastors. Do it for your church, do it for your family, do it for yourself, do it for your God, but like they say, Just Do It.