Well, friends, here we are in a new year. A new cycle of resolutions, good intentions, and soon to arrive problems. Problems? Why should problems come from good intentions? Because we over do it.
Just like we over did it to gain weight in the first place, we over do it as we dream of the instant success of a few overzealous goals. I’m right there with you – or at least I used to be. Now, each January, I make a more concerted effort to praise God for how my actions have positively changed in the previous year; and only resolve to do another small sustainable step in the right direction.
A small sustainable step. Well, that doesn’t sound as impressive as a lofty goal, now does it? But a month from now, I know that the small steady steps of a committed heart will prove more fruitful than that enticing laundry list of “don’ts”.
I wish I could tell you that I had a perfect year last year, with steady weight loss, and an ever happier scale reading. But, life happens. Notice, I didn’t say binges happened. Just life. Lasting transformation is finding its home in my heart.
A few months of being sick, and not able to excercise did my best plans in. A major surgery 6 weeks ago provided another setback. This isn’t an excuse, for I know I’m fully responsible for every bite of food put in my mouth. 10 pounds re-found their familiar spot. I have to tell you, the emotional destructive self-talk over weight gain shows up even when we think we’ve conquered it completely. Like the moment a few weeks ago when I had the familiar wave of emotions rushing over me, thinking it would be easier to quit and just go back to the familiar failure of my past than press on to the goal of lifelong fitness and health. But this time, I didn’t let those taunting words win.
So, what has changed? When that wave crashed over me, it kept on moving. I didn’t invite it to stay, camp out, or cook me dinner. I didn’t take the consolation prize of failure yet again. I realized, after thinking about the almost two year journey I’ve been on, that my health is worth it. And, more importantly, I realized that major surgery and a brief reunion with my fat jeans doesn’t mean the end of all I’ve done. All God has helped me to learn.
And, so, I press on. Instead of crazy goals, it is a small, doable 10 pound goal. Easy enough. After that, well, I’ll have to decide on another sustainable goal in an area of my life.
I appreciate your prayers as I continue to get back to “normal” and resume my exercise routine. And, be sure, I’ll be praying for you, too. I pray we all succeed in the things the Lord has for us this year, and that our goals are His goals – for when they line up with His will, how can we fail?
