Quality of life.
It's a term that is usually reserved for the close to death and dying. In both of our families, my husband and I lost our uncles within the past 2 months. Both of them were our fathers' older brothers. Both had cancer. Both suffered. In reflection, I find it odd that we mostly use the above term when dealing in desperate, end-of-life circumstances. Only until we are knocking at death's door do we consider what is 'best', and how to keep our loved one comfortable....giving them the quality they deserve in the little last bit of their days here on Earth.
In recent weeks, I have found myself evaluating my own "quality of life" (QOL) at age 34, and here is what I have found.
I talk too much.
I need to give up processed foods.
I can be critical of others.
My schedule is too hectic.
I should pray more.
My daily encounters with my husband are few, and I therefore need to nag less.
My body needs exercise, and just isn't getting it.
There are more things that I can write about, but I will sum it up there.
While analyzing all of this, it was key for me to remember we all live in seasons, and because of my current one (working mother of a toddler, wife to a commuting college student- who also happened to be disabled due to ankle surgery for 8 weeks), some of my above circumstances are naturally going to happen to anyone living in them. (It's been a bit of a slump season as of late.)
My point being- it is good to evaluate yourself. It is good to be honest, and to know what your current QOL is. It is very good to understand the notion of seasons- that your current state of affairs will not last... Not unless you want it to.
We must be ON GUARD to make sure we don't stay in any one season for too long. As my son grows to independence, as Tim finishes school, as 34 turns to 35, life will change, and if I stay true to my observations, my QOL will improve.
However, if I do nothing about my own little self-eval, I will find myself in my mid-50's with the same substandard, dilapidated observations, only worse off. By then, my "season" at age 34 will have become a lifetime of decreasing QOL. I think we all know that even with the best of intentions, seasons can turn into months, which become years, then decades.
The following scripture verses are what I will arm myself with as this season comes and goes. Each is there to help me in my specific area of need. When I abide in His words, no weapon formed against me shall stand. (Isaiah 54:17) If I am truly intentional about my very best life, they will become the sustenance of my days.
I talk too much.
Ecclesiates 5:2
Do not be quick with your mouth,
do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.
I need to give up processed food.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.
I can be critical of others.
James 2:13
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
My schedule is too hectic.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I should pray more.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
My daily encounters with my husband are few, and therefore, I need to nag less.
Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of a roof than to share a home with a quarreling woman.
My body needs exercise, and just isn't getting it.
See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, again!
I hope this post (although lengthy) might make you also thoughtful of your current QOL. And maybe there are reasons to explain many of your observations. Maybe this season has been rough. Might I also strongly encourage you to find very specific verses to aid you in giving yourself strength to endure, and to improve. These are to write on your heart and mind as you seek to better your life.
Thankfully, my yesterdays and todays do not have to become my tomorrows. Yours don't either. God is good. God is faithful. His word shows us a high QOL is worth pursuing... Way before your last days are here.
