What should you expect this season?

Dr. Asha Fields Brewer

We are well-versed in what to expect every season of the year. Winter is for chilly weather and warm foods. Spring is for blooming gardens and outdoor activities. Summer is for beach visits and family reunions. And Fall is for autumnal hues and holiday planning. But how often do we consider what to expect in each season of life? 

It is important that we acknowledge the season of life we are in, and we educate ourselves on how to appropriately support our temples during each season. 1 Corinthians 13:11, ESV says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” Have we given up our childish ways as it relates to our health? As we mature, so should how we think about and treat our bodies.

First, the older we get, the better we should understand how our bodies function. This pertains to both normal and abnormal functions. As children, we go to the doctor, and it is our parents who take on the responsibility of understanding the diagnosis and treatment, not us. It is harmful when we carry this same mindset into adulthood, putting the onus for all understanding back on the doctor. We are with ourselves more than anyone else. Why don’t we know ourselves the best?

Secondly, as we age, we have to be careful to not normalize bad habits. The Scripture says, “… I reasoned as a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” Letting a nagging headache prolong for days and just upping the number of painkillers without seeing the doctor is reasoning like a child. Justifying excuses for not incorporating regular exercise into our schedules and not budgeting for healthy foods to include in our meals is reasoning like a child. Regularly foregoing the sleep we need to be our best selves, function well, and heal is reasoning like a child. 

Finally, as we age, our dietary needs change. Whether it is the slowing down of our metabolism due to the constraints of a 9-to-5 job. Or whether it’s whole-body physiological changes due to menopause, it is important that we understand and take ownership over what our temples need to function well in each season. 

For example, did you know that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that as men age they consume more darker fruits and vegetables, so they can get more carotenoids? Carotenoids operate in plants to help prevent stress. In humans, studies are continually being conducted to evaluate the effect of carotenoids on preventing prostate cancer. There are also particular diets suggested for those who are undergoing various cancer treatments. Again, this shows us the importance of being aware and educated on what our bodies need in every season of life. 

Aging is a blessing, as it shows God’s favor in your life for each day you have lived. Why not honor Him by making special efforts to know your body and properly support you through every season.  For tips and advice on your approach to health this season, grab Eat, Drink, Do: 3 Basic Principles for Health by the Bible as a gift for yourself and those you love. This and other books on living well are available at www.doctorasha.com/books. 

Dr. Asha Fields Brewer is a creator of healthy conversations. As a national speaker and published author, she teaches the busy and overwhelmed how to live life abundantly. She is the owner of Temple Fit Co. wellness agency, which is home to 25-plus wellness speakers and fitness instructors. Tune in to “Temple Fit Devotions with Dr. Asha” on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. on Hallelujah 95.3 FM.