“What’s good for your heart is also good for your mind.”

As I read an article about the benefits and values of exercise, I was amazed to see something confirmed in print that I had long believed. Exercise is good for your heart but also good for your mind.

The article confirmed that belief by reminding me that exercise – particularly running – is good for keeping your blood flowing and also good for keeping your arteries soft and pliable. The working of your mind is enhanced by the same concept.

The principle seems to be – –”be flexible and live longer.”

Why is being flexible so important?

First, I often say that my running and exercise do more for my mind then for my heart. As I run, I seem to be problem solving. Even sermons and blog ideas flow while I am running. My running gives me a much better attitude about life.

I know – without a doubt – that a better attitude produces a better and longer life.

This whole concept became real to me this week as we made a hurried trip to North Carolina for the memorial service for Martha’s sister (more about that tomorrow). Unfortunately, I walked out without my backpack containing my MacBook Air. A blog is hard to publish by long distance and without a keyboard.

I had two choices–blow up about it, get mad, and raise my blood pressure or find a way to get it done. Finding a way when things don’t go right is the much superior way to deal with a problem. It’s better for you and for the people around you.

Life is filled with circumstances which call for some flexibility.

Second, being flexible of mind is like being flexible of heart. Those soft, flexible arteries help your heart last longer–having a flexible mind does the same thing for your brain function.

Third, your flexibility helps your relationships. You know that you want to be around flexible, easy-going people. Of course, other people also like being around us more when we are flexible and easy-going.

Our families–and churches–are blessed with our flexibility.

Finally, God wants our hearts to be soft toward Him, to be open and obedient to His direction and His leading for our lives. To do so means that we will live long in the land in which He has given us.

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