The honeymoon is over. “There typically is a honeymoon phase at the start of a new healthy eating plan and nothing tempts you away from healthy choices. But then…” So began the Made for More chapter in our book, and I am here to say that the honeymoon is over.
Ah, honeymoons… No one would have ever accused Ron and I of being too extravagant when we celebrated our honeymoon. Married over Christmas break during our Junior year in college, we were financially-challenged, time-pressured and completely clueless. We barely had enough money to afford a single night at a less than stellar hotel and then it was back to classes at Taylor University.
Love is Blind
We had a wonderful time. Neither the setting, the atmosphere, the freezing temperatures or the shabby conditions mattered; we were head over heels, crazy beyond all reason in love.
That lasted about a month then the honeymoon was over. I’m not sure if it was the way he squeezed the toothpaste tube, the fact that I only knew how to cook one thing, or the bills we didn’t know how to pay, but as time passed the glow faded and reality hit. Being married was hard work.
Commitment Is Essential
That’s why I am so thankful for vows. There have been many times in the past 30+ years that one or both of us wished there was an easy way out. The lure of freedom, the ability to make our own decisions, the easy escape of not having to work through the tough times tugged at our hearts and called our names.
Commitment is the only thing that made it work. I am so glad that it did. Other than Jesus, my husband is the very best thing in my life.
Well, today with my healthy eating plan the glow has faded and reality has hit. Living healthy is hard.
Delectable sweets and quick easy treats are calling my name. Can you hear them? “Kim, come eat me. I will tickle your taste buds and delight your soul. Just this once, just a nibble, no one will ever know.”
Made for More
But I am committed. Jesus is better. I was made for more. Today, for this moment, with His power, for His glory, I turn away. 30+ minutes from now, I will be glad I did.
Carrot stick, anyone?
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What About You?
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Made to Crave ~ Index to Previous Posts
As much as commitment is key, for me, so is having an end goal I can turn my focus on in moments of temptation. When I think of feeling well versus taking many medications, when I think of avoiding pain in my knees and back from carrying too much weight, when I think of feeling lighter and free-er, then the chocolate or chips are not as tempting. The small daily choiced add up to the burden of weight I have carried-I know it, and it is in the daily committment to making each decision at a time a good one that I will overcome. Great post today-good reminders!
Hi Robin,
What a great way to look at this journey, knowing each decision will will add up to a glorious future.
Robin - so true. Every choice we make has a consequence…but instead of thinking of it as a negative consequence I’m going to try to think of it as today’s choices - eating well…seeking God when I’m frustrated…being focused on today’s choices — are tomorrow’s “gains”…in a positive way!
Honeymoon. Commitment.
My husband and I have a saying we’ve had to use many times over our almost 20 years (July 20th!) and that is “We are committed to the commitment.”
Sometimes that is all the thought I could manage - being committed to the commitment we made in marriage. Because sometimes - we didn’t like each other very much!
So when I think of making good choices today when I would really rather not - I’m reminded of being committed to the commitment.
If for no other reason than I made a commitment to better self-care, I will make good choices today.
I love the part in this chapter where Lysa writes, “I can’t allow myself to partake in anything that negates my true identity…The truth of my identity as a child of God empowers me to believe that living in victory tastes sweeter than any unhealthy delicacy.” I need to remember that this journey is to know Him better, that I truly was made for more (than the vicious cycle of food addiction and bulimia), and to reach victory through Him and not by my own will because I would fail and not see me for who He sees me as and created me to be. Yes, there are tough times and will be tough times, but by turning our cravings and will over to Him…well…nothing is impossible with the Lord! Not even me.
Well said, nothing is impossible with God. What a comfort in hard times.