Here's what I came up with so far.
1. My dress pants are looser. They no longer pinch my waist by the end of the workday. So, clothing is a gauge of progress.
2. Minutes of exercise. I have progressed from 2 miles to 3 miles, which is from about 25 minutes to about 35 minutes. I am slowly increasing my total amount of activity per week. Not more than a 10% increase is recommended.
3. I fully realize that I had a "bad" week because of stress. This is progress, because previously I would not have put together these two things: "I ate too much" and "I am so stressed out!" Unfortunately, I wasn't able to overcome the stress. Even though I exercised and drank plenty of water and other things that we're supposed to do to combat stress. Even though... I still failed.
Which brings up another point. I was reading a book this past week that really put God's grace in perspective. Let me just post a little quote (from Lies Women Believe, DeMoss).
When I'm exhausted and think I can't possibly face the unfinished tasks that are still before me, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I'm having a hard time responding to that family member or co-worker who really gets under my skin,
His grace is sufficient for me.
When I am tempted to vent my frustration by speaking harsh words, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I've given in to my lust for food for the umpteenth time, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I don't know which direction to go or what decision to make, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I'm having a hard time responding to that family member or co-worker who really gets under my skin,
His grace is sufficient for me.
When I am tempted to vent my frustration by speaking harsh words, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I've given in to my lust for food for the umpteenth time, His grace is sufficient for me.
When I don't know which direction to go or what decision to make, His grace is sufficient for me.
Notice how all of these lines are past tense. When I have totally screwed up, God is sufficient. God doesn't bless me with His grace, love, forgiveness because I'm so perfect and holy and wonderful. He loves me and forgives me knowing that I am a total screw up. Oh how humbling, and oh how wonderful! This is the best news I've heard in weeks. This concept is from the Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:9.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Lord, I am so weak, so tired, so inadequate. I need You to be my strength, my sufficiency, my everything. I am so emotionally and physically exhausted. I need the power of Christ. I need to hide in the shadow of Your wings for a little while. I need your strength and wisdom to carry on what needs to be done. I can't do any more--I can't, but You can.
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