Discouragement

As I was considering the past nine weeks since becoming a part of Rob's Big Losers, I began to get a little discouraged about the physical struggles that have prevented a consistent exercise regimen, and the slower than expected loss of weight. The longer I thought, prayed and meditated on the situation, however, I was reminded that the successes I have enjoyed far outweigh the failures.

First, and foremost, was the mental shift that came with the realization that my unwillingness to live a healthy lifestyle was the result of selfishness. Like those caught in the web of addiction, the lure of food is as strong for me as the need for another drink is for the alcoholic. Hyperbole? No! Just honest!

Paul plead with the Roman believers to "give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" He further urged, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" (Romans 12:1-2, NLT). I had to give my life away, allow Him to change my thoughts, and not cling to the urges that prevented me from knowing what God wanted me to do.

Second, I have recognized that my exercise plan needs to be consistent, not cruel. Thirty minutes of consistent exercise that raises the heart rate for a sustained period of time, five days a week, can be as effective as the most rigorous exercise routine. It's okay that I don't excel in the rough and tumble world of triathlons and marathons. I have permission to admit I'm almost 60, the survivor of heart bypass surgery, and not interested in endurance activities. What I don't have permission to do is ignore my responsibility as a son, husband, father, grandfather, employee, etc. to do my very best to maintain a level of health that permits me to fulfill my duties in those roles.

Third, my life, in every aspect, is to be a reflection of my Savior. Overeating may be socially acceptable, and more often than not, encouraged. God refers to it as gluttony. Who am I to question His truth? Clearly, I don't reflect Him appropriately when I chose to live by worldly opinion/standards as opposed to His.

Fourth, I am learning a lesson in contentment, and maintaining a spirit of joy which allows me to overcome the excuse of eating as a sedative. An abundantly clear lesson has been "when you're hungry, eat!" But, if your not hungry, don't give in to the urge to eat just to have something to do.

My favorite spot in the house is a wonderful recliner that sits in the corner of our living room. One of my favorite activities is to eat a snack while watching the television in my recliner. In the past, the snack could be ice cream, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the list goes on. Now you're more likely to see grapes, oranges, a handful of nuts or just a glass of water. Was this an easy transition? No, but a necessary one. I now find contentment in going to bed with the realization that I didn't give in to my temptations.

"Attitude determines altitude." While I am not certain to whom attribution is due, this concise assertion can be derived from Paul's letter to the Phillipians where he commanded, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again -- rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon" (Phillipians 4:4-5, NLT) Our world needs genuine examples of Christ-like joy.

My desire is to exhibit this joy in accomplishing my health goals. There are times the body hurts and the temptation to give in to a chocolate binge is strong. What do I do? Rejoice! It's time for God's strength to be made perfect in my weakness.

It all goes back to the "change of mind" that I wrote about earlier. Remember this, "If I think the way I've always thunk, my thoughts will stink like they've always stunk." Maintaining an attitude of joy is only possible when I surrender myself to the transforming work of God's Holy Spirit, and allow Him control my thoughts. The Scriptures are rife with affirmations concerning our thoughts. Find them, and make them your meditation until right thinking becomes your norm.

In closing, the World English Dictionary defines discouragement as "to deprive of the will to persist in something." I choose not to be deprived of that will. Rather, I choose to adhere to what John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrims Progress, wrote:

There's no Discouragement,
Shall make him once relent,
His first avow'd intent,
To be a Pilgrim.

I choose to continue as a pilgrim on this journey, regardless of the obstacles, because the lessons are far greater than how to get a smaller waistline, bigger muscles or the acclaim of my peers. The lessons are drawing me to a greater realization of how to be the reflection of Christ as I travel this road.

Choosing . . . to make a difference! Join me!

Setbacks

Setbacks are part of progress. I would be hard pressed to list a project of any magnitude or value that didn’t have circumstances that hindered progress at one time or another.

My journey to better health, which began about seven weeks ago, has certainly seen its share of setbacks. Thankfully, however, my support network of family and friends have continued to bolster my commitment to not only finish the twelve weeks with RBL, but to continue the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life.

Rob has mentioned several times about the importance of proper nutrition and development of good eating habits. Over the past two weeks that has had to be my focus. The exercise routine has been “sidelined” as I heal from muscle spasms from sciatica. I was able to mow the lawn Saturday with minimal discomfort, so it’s back to the gym on Monday to kick-start my metabolism and continue toward my weight loss goal.

The RBL journey is providing a very practical and tangible example of what it takes to fulfill my commitment to live for Christ. No earthly struggle can compare to the inheritance awaiting me when Christ returns. In the same way, temporary physical aches and pains will not prevent my pursuit of a healthier life, which will allow me to enjoy God’s blessings here while I await His return or my home going.

Thanks again, Rob, for providing this opportunity and the encouragement you and Kristin are offering each day through your ministry at HIS Radio.