Process, or Purpose?
Computer problems prevented my posting the last two weeks. My apologies … but I’m back!
Before leaving for Mexico I determined that on our return I would make a concentrated effort to lose weight. And so I began a weight loss program that has worked for me in the past.
I’m encouraged to have started. But a dear friend reminded me that there is a bigger picture involved.
- I want to lose weight.
- I want to encourage and bless my husband in every way possible.
- I want to help and serve my mother.
- I’m writing a novel that’s been in the works for awhile. I want to finish it before next year’s Spring Christian Writers’ Conference.
As we talked about these goals, Grace looked at me with love and said, “And in order to finish that book, Carol, you need energy. So is weight loss the overriding purpose?”
And I realized it’s not. My purpose, for which weight loss is one part, is to become healthier so that I can complete these other goals…supporting and encouraging those I love, completing my novel…all for the glory of God.
How often do I set targets and stay focused on little goals without putting them in the context of a bigger picture. In what ways do I sabotage my overall purpose in life, which is to honor God and delight in Him forever? Is it by eating foods I know are unhealthy for me (i.e.too much sugar, too many carbs)? Is it by staying up too late (although there are nights, like tonight, when I can’t sleep and so I do get up and work or relax), by filling my mind with unwholesome reading or TV? Is it by filling my schedule with “good” projects that prevent me from doing the best thing(s)?
Being challenged to look at a purpose beyond losing weight or finishing a novel helps me prioritize, determine how and where I expend my energy, and make wise choices along the way. In order to accomplish what God has called me to, I need to take better care of myself in the ways that I can, not out of selfishness or ego, but for the glory of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23a
I’m trying to look at each day in light of this larger purpose of increased health, and I look forward to what I will learn in the process.
Is there an area where you need to review your deeper purpose and put it in writing to help you remember?
*I apologize for not posting the past two weeks. I had a glitch in my program that took awhile to resolve. I’m back!
Thanks, Carol, for a timely blog article. I really appreciated everything you wrote. I, on the other hand, am a very disciplined person so when I set my mind on something I do it to the end–no matter what. But I’ve also discovered over the years that that determination can sometimes be a drawback so I’ve learned to be more relaxed and spontaneous and get into the flow of life. I still meet my goals but I’m less intense now and it’s a good thing. Balance is what it’s all about, right?
Thank you Karen. Your discipline stands you in very good stead, I think. And I’m quite disciplined in some areas, not in others, so identifying areas where I need to commit and follow through is helpful to me. Yes, balance is the challenge isn’t it — meeting our goals and yet being open to the beauty and spontaneity of life in God’s goodness.