The Struggle is Real

I’m kind of a picky eater. I don’t even like avocados (I know, I know! That means I don’t like guacamole either.) And, I think cabbage smells like something that came out of your body; not something that should go in it. 

My favorite foods are often full of carbs. I have a sweet tooth and sometimes I even drink diet soda. 

Since I began a disciplined effort to be healthier and happier in 2000, my eating habits have been a near-constant battle. 

I realized I couldn’t put more calories in my body than I was willing or able to burn during the day. This is all fine and good until life gets in the way!

For me, most recently, it was a knee injury that kept me from running for weeks. It didn’t take long before just seeing the scales in the bathroom made me angry. 

Why is that I have to keep learning lessons like this one the hard way? I know better!

Unfortunately, I also fall into this trap with my spiritual disciplines more than I’d like to admit. I kid myself into thinking that skipping a few days in the Word really isn’t a big deal. I rush through my prayers. I miss a week of small group. Before I know it, I am impatient, disgruntled and battling anxiety. I nibble on spiritual junk food instead of feasting at His feet.

Thankfully, God doesn’t love me ONLY when my life looks perfect. He loves me in the struggle and welcomes me back when I realize (once again) that I don’t want to do this alone.  “If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:19)

In what ways does this struggle show up in your life? And how do you overcome it?