For my third week in a row, I followed the diet very closely as they laid it out for me. In addition, I added in exercise this week (not as much as I should have, but some nonetheless.) Even though I did those things, I just didn't feel like I was losing weight. My first two weeks of the diet I really felt my body adjusting and I really felt the weight coming off, but this week was different. Throughout this weekend I was on edge knowing that I would have to weigh in on Monday. I went to bed last night nervous and I woke up this morning even worse. In preparation for seeing a small weight loss this week I prayed on the way to the hospital that God would change my heart to focus on healthy living and not focus just on the number of pounds I lose. Then I stepped on the scale... 410.7 pounds down 6.5 pounds!!! Oh Happy Day!
It is easy to think about how much love God has for us when things are going well. Reading today through my devotions I came across the text that I have read so many times in 1 John 3:1-3 where it says:
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Reading this I had some introspection going on. I asked myself questions like:
How have I reacted when things didn't go as I planned?
What was I like when I was going through tragedy?
How do I react towards my wife when I don't get my way?
I even asked... Am I weird?
You know, I am not always proud of how I have to answer all of these questions. In light of the fact that I am loved enough to be called a son of the most high God, I am also called to lived a different life. In essence, I hope to be WEIRD. My kids would tell you that being weird is not a challenge for me, but friends, I tell you it is. The passage tells us that the world does not know me, in many ways I am to be weird. Unfortunately, at times I am not different. I adapt to my surroundings AND THAT IS WRONG. When things don't go how I planned I want people to see Christ. When I go through tragedy, I want to point others to Christ. When I don't get my way in my own home I want my wife to know that she is as secure as I am in the love of Christ. To me that is not weird, that is purifying myself to become more like God. What a humbling privilege and great responsibility to be called a son of God.
Way to go Tim! A great message as well! I've always known you as a deeply committed Christian, but you know over the past few months - especially when I was living in the area, I got this small sense that you were growing in your faith. It's interesting how we can show a different side of ourselves when we write. I hope that even after you reach your goal physically, you keep posing here, sharing your thoughts and meditations.
ReplyDeleteKeep going. Keep moving forward!
Many blessings!
Hey, way to go, wierdo! :) I think we can all relate to your struggle to stand out and be who God made you to be regardless of the circumstances. Glad to hear that things are progressing well.
ReplyDeletePraying for you today!