“Feed a cold, starve a fever.”
Or… basically, when you’re sick, your grandma will either stuff you with soup or forbid you from touching the fridge — and somehow both are “doctor’s orders.”
—Meaning: listen to your body. Sometimes it needs fuel, sometimes it needs rest.
“To ensure good health: Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.
—William Londen”
Or, in other words: don’t just count calories, count moments. Laughter is cheaper than medicine, curiosity lasts longer than vitamins, and joy is the best daily workout.
“Kindness, like grain, increases by sowing… but thankfully, you don’t need a tractor or overalls to spread it around.”
—Meaning: small acts of kindness can multiply just as crops do—minus the farm equipment.
“Health is not simply the absence of sickness… it’s also being able to bend over without making it a three-step process to get back up.”
—Meaning: true health means feeling capable and energetic, not just ‘not sick.’
Scripture: “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus…” (John 12:3)
In Bible times, spikenard was a rare and expensive essential oil imported from the Himalayas. Its strong, sweet aroma symbolized honor, devotion, and sacrifice. When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet, the fragrance filled the room, reflecting her complete love and surrender.
Today, spikenard essential oil is still valued for its grounding and calming qualities. Just as Mary’s offering carried deep spiritual meaning, spikenard reminds us that true devotion carries a fragrance that lingers in both heart and memory.
“Keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise your brain will feel like it’s running on dial-up while your body’s still buffering.”
—Translation: eat a veggie, take a walk, so your mind can load life in high-speed instead of freezing mid-thought.
“After dinner rest a while; after supper walk a mile.” —T. Cogan
Or… translation: don’t flop on the couch all day like a house-cat. Digest, then move — your stomach and your sneakers will both thank you.
—Meaning: a mix of rest and activity keeps the body working smoothly.
Thomas Fuller was a prolific writer and historian whose works often contained sharp observations about human nature. Born in England in 1608, Fuller became known for his engaging storytelling and insightful proverbs, many of which remain relevant today. His book Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs compiled many such maxims, reflecting his deep understanding of life’s realities. Fuller lived during a time of great hardship, including the English Civil War, where sickness and suffering were widespread. This likely influenced his perspective on the fleeting nature of good health. His famous proverb, “Health is not valued till sickness comes,” highlights a universal truth—people often overlook their well-being until it is compromised.
This saying remains profoundly relevant in modern society, where busy lifestyles, stress, and poor habits can lead to neglecting personal health. Many people fail to appreciate their ability to move freely, breathe easily, or live without pain until illness strikes. The proverb serves as a reminder to prioritize health before problems arise, encouraging preventive care and mindful living. Advances in medicine and technology have made healthcare more accessible, yet the fundamental lesson remains unchanged—good health is a priceless gift, and once lost, it is not always easy to regain. Fuller’s words continue to resonate, urging people to cherish and maintain their well-being before they are forced to confront the consequences of neglect.
John Kensington, a wealthy businessman in 19th-century London, spent decades amassing a fortune. He owned textile mills, invested in railways, and lived in a grand estate. But in his relentless pursuit of wealth, he neglected his well-being—working long hours, surviving on rich but unhealthy meals, and avoiding rest. At 55, he was diagnosed with severe heart disease. His doctor told him, “All your gold cannot buy back your health.” Forced into retirement, John sought cures in European spas, hiring the best physicians, but nothing restored his youth or energy. One day, he visited an old friend, a modest farmer named Samuel, who lived simply but was strong and full of life. As they sat in the countryside, John realized that Samuel, though poor in riches, had something far more valuable—good health. That day, John uttered, “I would trade all my wealth to feel as you do.” But time had run out, proving the truth of the old proverb: good health is above wealth.
The phrase “Rest and Be Thankful” is often linked to William Wordsworth, the great Romantic poet, but its roots run deeper in British and Scottish history. It became widely known due to the Rest and Be Thankful Pass in Scotland, a breathtaking spot along the A83 road in Argyll and Bute. In the 18th century, British soldiers built a military road through the rugged Highlands after the Jacobite uprisings, and the climb was so demanding that, upon reaching the summit, weary travelers would pause, rest, and express gratitude. The phrase was even engraved on a stone marker, serving as a timeless reminder that even in life’s most challenging journeys, one should stop, breathe, and appreciate the moment.
Although Wordsworth did not originate the phrase, he deeply embraced its sentiment in his writings and poetry. He found solace and renewal in nature, often encouraging his readers to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the world around them. His poem Tintern Abbey echoes this philosophy, describing how time spent in nature becomes a source of peace, healing, and cherished memories. Wordsworth believed that spiritual rest and gratitude were essential, and his poetry invites us to step away from the busyness of life and immerse ourselves in the stillness and wisdom of the natural world.
Today, “Rest and Be Thankful” remains a powerful call to pause and appreciate life’s journey, whether in moments of joy or hardship. Whether inspired by a Scottish landscape, Wordsworth’s poetic reflections, or the simple need for rest in a fast-paced world, the phrase reminds us to embrace gratitude and find renewal in stillness. It speaks to the universal human need for both physical and spiritual rest, reminding us that even the hardest climbs deserve a moment of reflection and thankfulness at the top.
(Lines 142–159)
“Therefore let the moon
Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;
And let the misty mountain-winds be free
To blow against thee: and, in after years,
When these wild ecstasies shall be matured
Into a sober pleasure; when thy mind
Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms,
Thy memory be as a dwelling-place
For all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then,
If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief
Should be thy portion, with what healing thoughts
Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,
And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance—
If I should be where I no more can hear
Thy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleams
Of past existence—wilt thou then forget
That on the banks of this delightful stream
We stood together.”
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