How are you at showing grace? Me? Not so well, most of the time. It’s actually something God has been trying to improve in me lately. And it has come up everywhere I turn. So now I want to get you thinking about showing grace-to yourself.
By now most of our New Year’s Resolutions are probably falling by the way side-especially if they were health related. And now that March is here, many of us are looking toward spring and thinking about getting healthier, eating better, exercising, and feeling better. And why not, spring is a great time to do all those things! (OK, so any time of the year is a great time to do those things.) But as you get back on track or get set to start, don’t forget to give yourself grace. If you try to eat a perfect diet or have the perfect exercise program or any other perfect plan and think you are going to stick to it no matter what, you are going to be mistaken and frustrated. Yes, I speak from experience! Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t aim for high goals, but I am saying life happens. We have tried to “eat perfectly” (which meant different things at different times) only to have family, friends, and fellowships happen right in the middle. (How dare they?!) And yes, sometimes, I was stubborn enough to insult them to maintain our “eating standards” of the time. But in the process, I caused and had so much stress that I’m sure it negated any health benefits we got from the food.
Was it worth it? Well, not all of it. I do think that there are times when we need to tighten up and be very disciplined in areas-whether it be health, food, exercise, or even time with Lord. And those may be extended lengths of times, depending on what we are doing. But if we ask others to encourage us during those times, we may find they are more respectful and helpful. For those other times when we are doing our best and things happen-GRACE. Don’t schedule cheat days, just aim for your best each day and when life happens accept grace and be thankful instead of angry and stressed. Learn to laugh with family and friends-it really is a medicine itself. Take joy in the relationships you have or are building-a merry heart is good for body and soul. Be thankful for the opportunities afforded you-we really should be thankful in all things. And in doing all that, you are gaining health-physical and spiritual.
I am learning to eat as healthy as we can when I am in control of our food-which is most of the time. And throughout the past few years, I’ve seen just how much good that can do. And those few times when I’m not in control of what we eat, I (try not to) worry about it and just try to teach my children self control. In other words, yes you will see them scarfing down dessert at a church fellowship and it will probably be the most sugary thing there. They will choose the ONE thing they want and I WILL NOT stress about it. (And sometimes I have to remind myself of this.) Often I’ve heard them later say how bad they felt after eating it, so they are even learning the effect it has on them-SCORE!
I hope you are encouraged to get back to your health goals or get started toward a life of health, knowing that grace will see you through. (And when you see me not showing grace-remind me of this post 🙂 )
Happy and Healthy HerbingItUp!
Brigett 
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