Counting the Cost

Recently, I went through a time in which I was tired of trying to live healthfully.  I was tired of planning healthy meals, tired of being concerned about my family's choices, tired of attempting to help them to make better ones, tired of searching for local food options, scheduling (and doing!) workouts, researching the latest health news and supplements.  To sum it up, I was tired of the fight.  I even began to think that it wasn't worth it.  The cost, the planning, and even (at times) the stressing over it. 

As He often does, the good Lord reminded me of why I'm on this path.  I remembered the sight of my husband hooked up to tubes that were pumping chemotherapy into his body.    The news that he had cancer, having to tell our children, the surgery, treatments, the emotional and mental toll it took on not only him, but our entire family.  Although it was "only" two rounds, the lasting effects on his body that we are still dealing with have been something I wouldn't want anyone to go through.  Healing continues through detoxing and nutrition, but it has been a long road.  I am thankful beyond words that he has been cancer free for 5 years, and I want to do everything I can to make sure this continues.

I hear many comments about the high cost of eating healthy.  "I can't afford produce."  "The organic stuff costs too much money." "It's too much work to change."  "It's too hard." "My insurance won't cover a natural health practitioner (or supplements), but will pay for a visit to the clinic."  Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about insurance companies.  However, what does it REALLY cost when our health takes a nose dive?  Medical bills, prescriptions, missed work and/or school, the worry and stress of it all.  It counts up quickly.  If our bodies have been out of balance for a longer length of time, it leads to more serious health issues which can be devastating in ways that extend far beyond the financial. 

Are there unhealthy habits (and the costs that go with them) that we can replace with healthy ones?  We can spend more at the grocery store (or with a local farmer) now, or we can spend it at the doctor's office later.  I know where I want to invest my money.  What will you choose?  What is it your health worth?  Remember to count the cost.  


Next week:  Eating healthy on a budget

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