A Tummy Ache of Truth

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice.

-Philippians 4:9a 

This week, instead of race season giving me insight on my relationship with the Lord my relationship with the Lord gave me insight on being fit.

The other day I had an intense workout that left me feeling accomplished and ready to tackle the remainder of my week.  My increase of hardcore exercise and careful eating has been paying off. With a particular goal in mind, I’ve been staying pretty disciplined.

In comes the bag of chocolate chips.

Voice in Erin’s Head: You’ve been working out hard, pushing yourself.                                                                        It’s OK, not that big of a deal. You’ll work it off tomorrow.

It sounded about right to me, so I grabbed the bag and ate handfuls and handfuls only to return to more handfuls.

You’re probably thinking, “lighten-up … it’s just chocolate chips- not that big of a deal.” You’re right- it really wasn’t that big of a deal UNTIL I repeated the behavior the following day. 

The whole truth:

1. Nestlé Chocolate Chips = ingredients that make my tummy hurt. 
2. I am in the midst of a fitness challenge with a wager I am NOT willing to loose. 
3. I am on a roll of eating balanced, making it easier to deny the bad and say yes to the good.

Incomes the little lesson on making better choices and having discipline, courteous of the Lord.

I was a bit irritated that I made the decision to eat almost an entire bag of chocolate chips. I was really frustrated with myself.

Voice in Erin’s Head: Why did you eat the chocolate chips? Why would you waste your                                                 progress on something so stupid? Next time….                                    

The next time of how I was going to make better food choices was interrupted with a reminder of my relationship with God.

Voice in Erin’s Head: Do you leave church to go and shoot-up a needle? Do you go and                                                 cuss out the nearest person after an hour of worship? Do you spend hours gossiping?

No! When I leave church or after reading my bible I don’t go and indulge myself in some crazy sinful behavior. Actually, I really try to make decisions that are edifying to me as a person (TRY is the key phrase). I go to church to grow in my relationship with God. I read my bible to know Him better. What would be the point of me going to church, participating in a bible study or reading my bible if I was just going to live my life unchanged? It just seems so pointless. Similarly this could be said about my eating habits. What’s the point of working out when all I am doing is trying to work off what I eat? In my mind it’s counterproductive. I am working out to be strong, to function better and to feel good. It’s all about growth. The discipline I have with making choices that bring me closer to God should be the same mindset I have when making choices that are most healthy for my body as a whole.