A few weeks ago, my mom, sister and I invented a weight loss competition called the “Catch Me If You Can Program for Mothers & Daughters,” aka CMIYCPFMAD. I’m happy to report that we’ve all lost weight. So far, I’m down about 6.5 pounds. By my estimates, that’s equal to a bag of rice. Or a cannoli-filled birthday cake. Or two dozens of sesame bagels. (Can you tell I miss carbs!?)
Dieting has not been easy. For one thing, I’ve come to the realization that my scale is out to get me. It’s sleek and digital. Every day it tells a different tale. It never likes me on Wednesdays, for instance. But by Thursday, we’re something akin to sorority sisters.
A week ago on Wednesday, I got on the scale after days of stellar dieting. I was feeling pretty good about myself. Yes, I occasionally daydreamed about breaking into a bread factory. But my clothes fit better, and I had more energy. Everything was great.
And then a number flashed across the scale.
It shook me to my very core. I’d gained weight. Not quite a pound. But close. In that instant, all my positivity flew out the door. Why, God, why? I’ve been so good! Don’t you want me to be happy?
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Of course, I was acting a little irrationally. In that moment, though, it was like every bad thing that had ever happened to me rushed back. And that less-than-a-pound weight gain was the last straw.
I called my mom on the way to work, anxious to see how she’d take the news. She’s a very passionate member of CMIYCPFMAD. I didn’t want to disappoint her. When I told her the news, though, she was anything but concerned.
“Don’t worry, you’re doing great!” she said. “Try again tomorrow–I bet it’ll go down. I’ve never gotten a good result on a Wednesday.”
Ha! It was genetic. By the time I got to work, my sour mood had disappeared. I stuck to my diet all day. The next morning, I weighed myself again. Sure enough, I was down about a pound and a half.
I took away two lessons from this little meltdown. One, you can’t always see the full picture. And two, even when you can’t see the full picture, God places people in your life who can. Loved ones who’ve got your back and faith in your future.
What about you? What spiritual lessons have dieting or healthy habits opened your eyes to?
