Witness, understanding, and praise.

FRIDAY is grocery-shopping day in the Mills' household. My wife and I head down to the small Community Garden Market in our town and stock up on organic produce and a rich variety of natural foods waiting on the shelves. Then we stop by our town's main grocery store for items not available at the market.

Recently, while I was checking out at the grocery store, the shopper standing behind me noticed the contents of my cart and remarked, "That's the healthiest-looking collection of food I've ever seen." I assured her that after my wife does her thing, it will also be the most delicious. I pointed out that I am the editor of a Christian health magazine and was trying to practice what I preach.

When you do your best to live a healthy life, people notice. They see you walking during your morning and afternoon breaks at work. They sneak a peek at what arrives on your plate at the restaurant. They recognize the energy in your step and the clarity in your thought. What a wonderful opportunity this is for you, and me, to witness for the One who created us.

Living a wholesome lifestyle offers other powerful benefits. Healthy bodies generate healthy minds. And only a mind unencumbered by self-inflicted disease and weakness can fully understand God's love and His place in our lives. Instead of trying to muddle through the years with a brain clouded by destructive habits, we can clearly recognize the safest and most effective way to live.

And what better way is there to praise God and thank Him for His sacrifice on our behalf than to care for the body and mind He gave us? Each time we choose the high road--whether in our food selections, what we allow into our minds, or how we maintain the strength and vitality of our muscles and organs--we're saying to our Creator, "You matter to me. I'm proud to be Your child."

What are you going to do this holiday season to enhance your witness, your understanding, and your praise? Don't think for a moment that your choices will go unnoticed. And when someone points out to you that you're unique, be ready to redirect that attention to the Source of all good things.