I grew up reading the labels on food. I was educated on the dangers of refined sugar, excessive oils, and simple carbohydrates. The linkage between stress, exercise (lack of), and bad eating habits with poor health was very clear. In context, one might assume I am always on track for a healthy lifestyle. Last night’s dinner suggests this is not the case. If I am candid, my eating habits reflect Paul’s observations about good and bad ways of living. “It [failure] happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up.” (Romans 7.21)
Last night I indulged, knowing my body would pay the price for the Green Goddess taco completed by the mac and cheese. As I think of the dinner and the day ahead, I can hear life if I am willing to consider the lesson whispers.
Knowing is never the same as doing. I might know facts, figures, connections, and implications. This knowledge, even understanding, does not, on its own, protect me from making less-than-ideal decisions as I exercise my freedom. I was very aware that my food choices were less than ideal. They were also so appealing I could not help myself.
History is just what it is, history. It is in the past, not the present. The question for me today is one of learning, growth, and changing the frame through which I make decisions. My opportunity today is to learn from yesterday and take a step toward a better future. Learning and letting go is to the present.
As black and white as some things are, life is often lived in the greys. In striving for the best, life reminds me to fill my cup up with kindness, care, and compassion. In doing so, I will leave the junk behind. Because much in life is found in muddy waters, forgiving oneself is essential to moving forward with confidence and hope. Divinity believes I am priceless, at least today, so do I. In letting go of my life’s mud, anything is possible.
