The Pain of Change

Life change will never occur until the pain of staying where you are is greater than the pain of going where you need to go.

On Friday I was diagnosed with diabetes. My A1c was high along with my liver functions. My doctor put me on medication and a radical diet change. It was a gift from God.

I’ve gained weight over the last year and couldn’t seem to lose it in spite of exercise. In the past, I could lose fifteen pounds very quickly by fasting and exercise, but this time it didn’t work. I’ve been sluggish both physically and mentally (no comments).

I’ve made fun of vegans in the past. I once bought a T-shirt for a vegan friend that read: VEGAN—Village idiot that can’t ride, shoot, or hunt. My daughter and her husband have gone the vegan way in the last year or so and their health has improved. Now, it’s not funny. I’m calling her up for recipes and substitutes for stuff I used to eat. Life is constantly changing, and we have to change with it or succumb to the throes of inertia.

As I said last week, my word for 2019 is PERSPECTIVE. I can see my new disease as a curse, or a blessing. It’s my choice. This didn’t catch God by surprise. My slackness in watching what I eat as I get older has caught up with me. Since I am Jesus’ vehicle to take Him wherever He wants to go, I’ve got to keep my body and soul tuned up and running efficiently.

Diabetes was my warning light on the dash of my vehicle. I must reassess my lifestyle and get serious about taking care of His body. It is His, you know.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV).

Talk about an impetus to make a change for the New Year…

Now, I have no choice. I did before, and I chose to eat whatever I wanted. Now, the pain and suffering of continuing that unwise course of action is far greater than the pain of changing my lifestyle. And what I’ve discovered is that once I made the decision to eat better and take care of myself, it was not nearly as painful as I thought it was going to be. As a matter of fact, I’m even enjoying it.

If there are changes in your lifestyle and your relationship with the Lord that need to be made, I hope you don’t get diabetes, or worse, before you make the choice to change.

God bless you. Have a great 2019!

Blessings,

Kenny