WEIGHTY CHALLENGES

2/5/10 Life is full of challenges---from physical and mental to relational and spiritual. Last Saturday, the Commercial Appeal gave a review of the Mayo Clinic Diet which is divided into two phases; “Lose it!” and “Live it!’ The two week phase adds five habits, breaks five habits and adopts 5 bonus habits. One very challenging aspect (for 2 weeks) is no TV while eating and only watching as much TV as is equal to the amount of time you spend exercising---sort of a way to jump start exercising again---or just my awareness, maybe---- I’m giving it a try hoping that it will improve my energy level.

Of course, my first thought was what a bad week for a TV challenge with Super bowl coming up---but it made me realize what I needed to give up to accomplish my goal. Part of my solution has been to exercise (weights and stretching) while watching "Jeopardy" and "Nightly News." This allows me to “bank” my other swimming and walking times (so far only 1:25*) for the Super Bowl. At least I’ll get to watch the commercials. Though, I guess I’ll have to leave the room to eat all the goodies----hmmmm---really bad week for a challenge. Certainly not sustainable for me beyond the 2 week period. *(45 min. added since I first wrote this on my trusty light blue legal pad)

I guess life is always that way---never seems like a good time (easy time) to begin a discipline whether it’s a diet or finding time to exercise or be in the Word or in prayer---Challenges---some are easier than others (easy for you might be hard or"weighty" for me) but we all have them. What’s your greatest challenge in your spiritual life. Time? Interest? What spiritual discipline does your life need to make it a worthy/godly walk. What would help you sustain it.

God’s word says “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3) My little 2 week challenge is in no way real suffering but it has opened my eyes to something I have been able to do and that builds my confidence/character and hopefully that will spill over to other areas of my life.

In the spiritual realm we are told, “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials (challenges) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (sustainability) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be pure and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

Challenge yourself for the next 2 weeks. Choose one habit to break----something that’s an obstacle to your spiritual growth. Add one habit that will benefit your spiritual growth. Your bonus will be a lifestyle change!