Diet. A word that many consider to be a horrible four letter word. I mean, just look at it. D. I. E. If I stop there, it says “Die”. And you know when you’re faced with the possibility of not eating that yummy stupendously good whatever-really-rocks-your-world food? You know that if you don’t get to have it, you. will. die.
And that’s true.
Hear me out. These are my thoughts - based a bit on Matthew 16:24-25.
When you choose not to eat that yummy stupendously good (etc.) food, you are dying to your self. Your self, your flesh, filled with temptation, says “OH YES GIVE IT TO ME NOW, BECAUSE I’M HUNGRY FOR IT AND WITHOUT IT, I WILL SURELY DIE.”
Ironically, because I’ve been saying sure, yes, you need it, let’s have it… one bite at a time - I am certainly not doing what I can do to preserve this body’s health - and thus, I may actually be speeding up my exit time a bit.
But, if I can say no to temptation, if I die to myself a little bit, and take care of the temple that God has given me as my earthly body - then I will find true life, a better life with more self-control, self-discipline, better health, and ultimately, a better ability to follow the path that God intends for me in my life.
I haven’t decided exactly how I’m going to try and lose the weight this time. One thing for certain, it will involve dieting. And it will involve a million small deaths to myself, as I make the choices that will give me a better life. I’m glad to be starting this journey, even though I also feel a bit like “here I go again”… but it will be different this time. With more accountability, more support, and more hope. On my mark… get set… go!
Matthew 16:24-25 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. [25] If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.
Seriously Good Stuff, Tracy. (that is one of my highest compliments by the way) But let’s not forget to take the positive side too. It’s not just about choosing not to eat the garbage - it’s choosing to eat the good stuff! God has given us so much tasty food that we can enjoy. We just need to learn new and good ways to enjoy it! Many of us probably need to reprogram our taste buds…
Anyway - I loved this post!
Comment by blestwithsons — July 27, 2006 @ 4:27 pm
That’s exactly (!) what I’ve been learning lately - dieing to myself one step at a time, one thing at a time. It’s so hard but so worth it to learn this. I can already see that this blog is going to be a huge encouragement to me and everyone involved!
I wish I could comment on each of your posts, but I seriously need to cut back on the time I spend on the internet. You all are so inspiring!
Wouldn’t it be cool if at some point we could all meet and do something like walk for a cause - breast cancer, or something?
Comment by Anita — July 27, 2006 @ 4:41 pm
I absolutely agree, Blest - it’s about choosing to eat the good stuff. But even there, I have a choice. Since most of my weight gain is not from junk, but from too much of the good stuff - my choice is to stop at the right point.
I enjoy food - and I plan to continue enjoying it. I will probably enjoy it more when I eat it appropriately too.
Thank you for the compliment -it means a lot!
Comment by Tracy — July 27, 2006 @ 4:54 pm
“I may actually be speeding up my exit time a bit.”
Tracy - I know what you mean. One of the things that motivated me to make this commitment was the thought that I could be endangering my health and putting my kids at risk of losing their mom at an early age. Not to mention being the mom they need right now!
Comment by Carrie — July 27, 2006 @ 5:36 pm
That’s a great way to look at it! Something to chew on
when I’m contemplating grabbing another cookie or……
Comment by Lorri — July 27, 2006 @ 8:07 pm
Tracy, I wanted to post last night but got distracted - this was a great post! I was a little thrown off at first lol….but I stuck with you and GREAT JOB on summing all that up so well!
Loved it!
Comment by Blair — July 28, 2006 @ 3:49 pm