It’s All About Kim
I don’t like denying myself. Frankly, like a spoiled toddler stamping her size one feet, I want what I want when I want it. Is that too much to ask? Apparently it is, because the rest of the world has never quite gotten the memo that ‘it’s all about Kim.’
My basic philosophy in life is simple. When given the choice between hard and easy, self-indulgence or self-denial, pain or pleasure, I pick the easy, pleasurable, self-indulgent option every time.
Except…
For Love of Others
Except when it involves someone I love. I will joyfully scrimp on fulfilling my own needs to save money to buy a gift for another. I’m thrilled when I have the opportunity to sacrifice my free time to serve someone in need. It really is more blessed to give than receive. It’s good for the receiver, it’s good for the giver and it brings us both closer together.
This week, I’ve been thinking about my sweet tooth denial in a different way. Instead of moaning and groaning over the loss, the deprivation, and the difficulty of it all, I’ve been seeing it as an opportunity to give a special gift to Someone I love.
I want to grow closer to God. Self-denial for His sake is one way to do that. So, the truth is that healthy eating is not so much a sacrifice born out of pain but rather a costly gift of love.
This One’s For You
It may seem silly but with each food item I’ve turned down, I’ve been taking my empty hands and lifting them up to my King saying, “This is for You.”
He smiles. He knows what it cost, and He is pleased.
It turns out that denying myself is good for Him, good for me and the two of us are brought closer together. What could be better than that?
Jump Right In
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The journey to change will be more successful if you walk it with others.
What About You?
What gift will you give Him today?
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leave a comment here.
Made to Crave ~ Index to Previous Posts
You talk about self denial as a gift to God because you love Him and that is our proper first response. Yet it’s also loving ourselves, but not in the way we usually think. If we loved ourselves rightly, we would treat our bodies with love and respect, nurturing them properly with healthy food, exercise, and self-care. We tend to think we love ourselves too much and so we over-indulge ourselves. Yet if we truly loved ourselves, we would do what is best for us. Surprisingly, it seems we don’t love ourselves enough.
It is a fine line isn’t it, Lane? You bring up a good point-”. . .if we truly loved ourselves, we would do what is best for us.” It’s amazing how HARD that is to do! I like your take on overindulgence. It might feel as though it’s self love but truly loving ourselves, I’m learning, looks much different than self-indulgence. Thanks for the good reminder about this-more food for thought!
Lane, Thanks for the reminder. You are so right. So far in this study I have been thinking, “but I don’t crave anything!” and I really don’t. BUT when I feel useless, worthless, can’t do anything right - I don’t CRAVE food, but I eat because I don’t care about me any more. When I don’t care about ME, I don’t care how I look, how I feel, relationships - including with God - take a dive. Thanks for the reminder that in God’s eye’s - and therefore in MY eyes - I have great value and should cherish and care for that gift.
Jesus loves YOU, so take good care of yourself
Hi Lane,
True love always gives the other (and ourselves) what is best rather than what we want, doesn’t it? Great perspective, Lane.
Thanks.
It may seem silly but with each food item I’ve turned down, I’ve been taking my empty hands and lifting them up to my King saying, “This is for You.”
He smiles. He knows what it cost, and He is pleased.
LOVE IT! I have been struggling today with wanting to binge (and then purge) because there are some VERY stressful things going on regarding my ex-husnband and my children (whom they want no part of).
I had an OA meeting the other day and our focus was attitude with grattitude. So I want to EAT at him because I am so angry. But then I take a step back and realize all of the blessings I now have. 1)I am still alive after 26 years of wavering bulimia/anorexia and am closer to God than ever before (He must keep me around for a reason!), 2) I have an amazing husband who wanted me to leave my job and provide the world for OUR five children and me, 3) I have a Godly family now! A chosen family! A family of believers! I know I will be with them eternally with our lovely Father, 4)I could go on and on! It is the enemy who is tempting me to relapse. To crave to overstuff myself because of my emotions. Not God. This is a let go and let God day. I crave God. I want to make Him smile too. Abstaining from binging and purging is the best thing I can do.
Amy
Beautiful!!! Isn’t amazing how when we stop to count our blessings our stress and worries start to flee. I’m joining you in praising God for all the wonderful things He has done and is doing in your life. He is good!!!!!
I do feel like a five year old many times and ignore the consequence of over indulging. This like every problem in my life I must offer to my Heavenly Father and release. He is the voice of truth. Thanks for this today.
Hi Cyndi, We all fall down, all the time, but good for you for picking yourself back up and starting again. God will greatly bless your perseverance. Keep up the great work!