Today, as I was driving home from the YMCA, I saw a lady whom I haven't seen in a couple of years. In 2007, I met her as I was once again beginning to battle with my weight. She was a source of encouragement to me because she had recently lost a great deal of weight, and we shared the same faith in Christ. However, my heart sank as I saw her drive past today. From just the quick glance I got, I knew instantly that she has gained a significant about of her weight back. I tried to reason that this must be a case of mistaken identity...as I am still replaying the scene and wishing this were true, but I am far too familiar with the truth of this situation.
There is a fight going on for so many of us. It has nothing to do with the size that we are or a number that we weigh. It has everything to do with a real and actual battle against a very essential thing in this life.... FOOD. I've spent a good deal of the last two years focusing on losing weight and keeping my eye on the scale and my clothing size. These things represented success or failure to me. If I was succeeding in my health, my weight was dropping and so was the size of my clothing. However, these things are truly just temporary. They are seemingly fleeting, always coming and going!
Now, more than ever, I realize that the fight is on. Christ wants all of me, and for this, I must fight. Maybe you know what I mean, and you too, have to fight this food fight. Perhaps, you're where I've been and still think this is all about calories in vs. calories out. Can I tell you that Jesus is way more concerned about you than that? So, when you've done all your dieting, counted all your calories, worked out everyday of the week, and tried everything to boost your metabolism, the food will still be there. And so will Christ! He is beckoning to be your (and mine) stronghold in place of all else. This is the reality that I know: this food fight is really a heart fight. (Disclaimer: For those of you who struggle, you know exactly what I mean. For those of you who are blessed with a great metabolism, I hope that you are good stewards of your bodies and that you are pressing on in the fight for your heart...in whatever areas you struggle with.)
I hope that I don't quit for good in this battle, and I am so thankful that Jesus is my strength to push through moments of weakness with food and exercise. When I fail, I am thankful that He is there to love on me and remind me that this is about so much more than a food fight. He is after my heart. Yours too.
A good word, Kristen! Whether we battle food (and/or our weight) or not, everyone fights against SOMETHING that wants badly to be our idol or our "go-to" during times of stress...in the place of Jesus Christ. I always appreciate the way you share your insights and your heart, and make me think.
ReplyDeleteP.S. - People with "good" metabolism can also wrestle with the food issue; it's just not as obvious to others...it could be even more dangerous spiritually because there's less motivation for change. I'm there. And I have to say, you've influenced the way I think about food, very much for the better.
P.P.S. - Thanks for thinking of us the other night! I wish it would have worked out. We'll have to plan to get together another time!