This morning started off deceptively good. I got on the scale and discovered that I had lost last week’s gained pound. I went for a walk in the neighborhood and watched the sunrise. Then I sat down with my Eggbeater scrambled eggs, picked up my “Made to Crave” book and began our chapter on The Curse of Skinny Jeans.

Bad News

I was not even halfway through the reading when my computer let me know I had an urgent email. It was bad news from a friend. Discouraging news. Disappointing. Worrisome. And there was absolutely nothing I could do.

With a deep sigh, I turned back to my reading and reached for another bite of my eggbeater delight.

More Bad News

Two paragraphs later, the phone rang. That’s crazy. It was 7:20 in the morning. I couldn’t help but think that no one calls that time of day to share good news. And I was right. It was a non-Christian friend of mine reciting her tale of woes accompanied by whining, complaining and an invitation to share her bad mood.

I had lots of sympathy but no solutions. All I could do was silently pray.

Incomplete People

As I turned back to the book and the now stone cold scrambled eggs, I read this sentence, “Loving incomplete people doesn’t seem like the obvious path to joy.” Isn’t that the truth? I hadn’t even showered yet and a dark cloud was just begging to rain on my day.

When life seemed under control, it wasn’t hard to wake up, take a brisk walk and whip up some healthy eggs. But as soon as the axis of life tilted and my world began to spin out of control my mood wanted to go south as well.

I can’t help but ask, what is my happiness dependent on? Is healthy living only possible when life goes my way? If that’s true I’d better stock up on Lucky Charms because Jesus is quite clear that in this world I WILL have tribulation.

Love, Love, Love

Thankfully, there’s an alternative reaction laid out in John 15. Love. Don’t eat just because the day is hard; look for a way to love. Don’t reach for chips when confusion reigns; find someone to bless. Don’t join others in their bad moods just because they invite me in, instead reach deep into the well of love that Jesus has for me and splash it liberally on them.

I’m reminded of this amazing promise in Isaiah 58:10.

And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.

Good News From God

Good news. (I am ready for some good news.) When I focus on the needs of others, my own hunger is filled. It doesn’t get any better than that. Others get blessed and not a single calorie passes through my lips.

It’s only 8:00 in the morning, and a long day stretches out ahead. With God’s help, I plan to practice my own acts of kindness without a cookie in sight. I can’t wait to see what God does.

What About You?

Who can you bless today? How will that help take your focus off of food?

 

Please join our discussion and
leave a comment here.

Made to Crave ~ Index to Previous Posts