I hope this year has started off well for you. I brought in the new year at church during a service called“Watch Night.” I generally bring in the year that way no matter where I am. I like starting my new year in the house of God.
What did you do? Watch Night or something else?
No matter what you did, I am glad that you took a minute to stop by the blog today. I know that I have been missing in action - especially toward the end of the year. I would tell you about the absolute crazy whirlwind that was my life in December but that was last year - ancient history now. Let us just focus on the present.
The Right Now Moments Matter
Focusing on the present - the hear and now - is my goal this year. You see, sometimes, I get stuck in my head while I relive past hurts and offenses. And when I “come back” to the real world, I am sad, hurt or depressed - which leads me to my refrigerator or cupboard for some comfort food. I recognize now more than ever that I cannot go back in time and right the wrongs that I have committed and neither can I go back and escape from the pain that was inflicted against me. Instead, I have a choice to make. I can either pull myself together or I can fall apart. I can accept that some people will, out of their own brokenness and issues, attack me and or my character. But in that acceptance, I can know that their opinions of me do not define me. Their opinions of me should never send me running to food for comfort but instead I should run directly into the waiting arms of my heavenly Father.
I can run to him because He is my strong tower - my safe haven - my place of comfort. Food can never comfort me like He can. For when God comforts me, I am made whole. Not temporarily satisfied like I would be if I had that piece of chocolate cake. See what I mean?
I have to live in the right now - and I can do that with God. His opinions are the only ones that really matter. Whatever I need, He is faithful to supply.
The Past is the Past
The time has come for absolute forgiveness. I heard an interesting line that stays with me, so I will share it with you. It goes “forgiveness with condition is not forgiveness at all.” Hmmmm.... I gotta say that one really pinched me. I am big on apologies. I apologize for what I do and I expect an apology too. But some people will not apologize for nothing! That used to agitate me. I do not like it when people inflict hurt to you and then act like nothing has happened. I call them the “rug sweepers”. I do not sweep a thing under the rug. It just gets exposed later, so why bother? Anyway, I am learning to let that go - to let that mindset stay in the past. They do not have to answer to me, but they will answer to God for their actions - same as everyone else, myself especially included. It simply takes up too much energy to wait for a deserved apology that will never come for whatever reason.
Positive in the Present
So, to this new year, I say hello to the future and so long to the past. I have spend enough time dwelling on the good and the bad times. My time is better spent thinking of and dwelling on the future. No matter what happens, good or bad, I know how to deal with it. With God, not food.
I have a friend who is big into being positive. I like that. And even though my friend’s view of positive is slightly different from my own, I know that there is so much benefit in being positively connected to Jesus Christ. To do things in a way that will have a positive outcome for the Kingdom for the present and the future. Ah...that is my path and direction. Positive choices with life. Positive choices with food.
I know that this blog entry has a lot of food references in it. Sorry about that. But I am losing weight now so that I can be healthier, so food, and my past issues with it, are at the forefront of my mind. And for some of you readers, food is hanging around your frontal lobes too.
I told another friend last year that this year, 2011, would be the year that we both achieved the goals we set for healthier lifestyles. And ever since that day, we both have been working towards it.
So, I plan to stay committed by staying focused on the present in a positive way. Maybe you will join me by leaving the past in the past and moving forward into the future that God has for you.
See you next week!
Oh sweet friend!! LOve this post. Yes forgiveness is key. And being satisfied in the approval of Christ alone. That is why I had to get off FB and Twitter for a bit. I am learning things about myself. I had to tell you your comment about "obedience is better than sacrifice" is such confirmation. God has been speaking that to me. Love when He does that. Love you friend and lifting you up in prayer now.
Much love,
Angela
Angela,
You are such a sweet spirit. I absolutely thank God for you!
Love,
Sanya