How’s your love life?  Now that can be a loaded personal question, can’t it?  Though February holds the holiday of Valentine’s Day, there are times where we may not think twice about love and the heart.   But, maybe we should?

     Have you noticed that we are relational beings?  With the rapid growth of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media sites, I feel that this growth shows that we like to interact with one another.   You might even go as far to say that we need one another.  We need one another to grow, fill a void, affirm, do business with, and even serve one another.  These types of actions also show that we love one another.  Now, I’m not talking about romantic love, but a brotherly love.  Besides, the most repeated commandment in The New Testament is to love one another.   Doesn’t it make you feel good when you help out a family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc.?  If not, I would suggest you examine your heart.   Is there an underlying pride, envy, or selfishness issue?  Love cannot exist when these feelings do.  

     What about your own physical heart?  Are you taking care of it?  Do you love yourself enough to take care of you by living a healthy lifestyle?   The American Heart Association offers some time tips on taking care of your heart: 

1. Know your blood pressure.  Have it checked regularly.

2. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain high-fiber foods.

3. Avoid too much salt in cooking or at meals.  Avoid salty foods.

4. Follow your doctor’s advice about physical activity.

5. Develop a routine of healthy eating habits.