Wouldn't it be great if... the milk jug never ran out, the amoxicillan bottle remained bottomless, the shampoo container held limitless bubbles, the propane tank kept providing fuel for years of barbecues?

That's my wish when that orange light on my dashboard blinks on. Imagine the wonders of a fuel tank that never dries up. After a couple of busy weeks, you notice you haven't needed to buy any gas. You have a miracle gas tank!

Knowing how special this car is, wouldn't you do all that you could to keep it running for as long as possible?

Wouldn't you make sure it had the necessary upkeep --regular oil changes, fluid washes, tires checked, chipped paint, dings and marks buffed out, upholstery repaired, transmission checks, etc. -- to keep it running?

The drudgery of maintenance, while inconvenient at times, would be offset by the joy of a bottomless fuel tank.

Well, don't look now, but we do have such tanks -- our bodies. Why not treat your body as if you valued it like you would the car you would never have to buy fuel for again?

Taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually and interpersonally can be challenging.

You, like the car, will have dings, dents and imperfections, but think of the trade off. It's hard to have a life without a body. We can run just so long without refueling and our orange light blinks on signaling we're getting low on fuel --energy or health.

Physically, you know your orange light is on when you get repeated headaches, stomach acid, back pain. Emotionally, the warning comes with that "overwhelmed'' feeling, a lack of creativity, forgetfulness, and low frustration level. Spiritually, serving others is a burden, your sense of purpose is lost and your relationship with God feels distant.

Diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, author Kathy Peel said, "Through that experience I became a diehard believer in the old adage that one never appreciates something until it is taken away. Ordinary living took on new meaning for me. Things that once fell into the category of duties became privileges I dearly missed."

My gift to you this holiday season is packaged in two thoughts; take care of your miracle machine, yourself. Your body is the only one you will ever have. Treat it well and it will treat you well The bonus in it for you is that maintenance and repairs won't be as costly.

Secondly, appreciate the ordinary in your life: children's laughter, a heart and other organs that function, beautifully decorated holiday tables, good food, great friends, blue skies, Christmas cards, video stores and candles.

God Bless,

CALL US: 888.LIF.WALK

Kate is a senior partner with CLC, Inc.