During yesterday’s spin class, I continued to mentally meander around the Turkish countryside. Another post took shape as I pedaled along.
Here is my true confession: I came back from the trip wearing the results of my culinary indiscretions. Those tempting Turkish B & B’s – bread and baklava – were just too yummy to resist.
An additional pitfall – the decadent and delicious Magnum ice cream bars available on the streets, and at every rest stop. Our group of 12 affectionately called these our daily dose of “Vitamin M”.
And so…I fight the continuing battle of the bulge – a small price to pay for an incredible experience. Hopefully I can shed a few extra layers before too long.
Focusing on the “losing” helped me remember another of my “moments” during the trip.
This one occurred while we were visiting the magnificent cave dwellings and churches in Cappodocia, one of the wonders of the natural world. The early Christians carved homes out of the rocks where they could easily hide from Roman soldiers.
I so admire the commitment and dedication of these Christians that kept them steadfastly devoted to the Lord, in spite of the inherent dangers they faced. What courage!
I wondered if I would have been so brave – and I could only hope that my faith would have been strong enough to help me do so.
As I contemplated the losses these early followers of Christ must have suffered, God spoke to me. What He said appeared in all capital letters, and in boldface:
“DON’T THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE LOST…THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE GAINED.”
Wow… God sure is the ultimate mind-reader! And He knows just when to give me a good wallop of truth.
In past months, I have given a good deal of attention to loss – in terms of a broken family relationship, and other temporal things. God’s part in this had drifted into the background.
And yet…after I heard these words, the picture became so clear. I immediately thanked God for sharing this message, thereby helping me be fully aware – once again – that He has His reasons for everything.
The weight of this realization serves as a foundation that can steady me in all situations, deepen my faith, and allow a grateful heart to color all experiences.
So in the grand scheme, what’s a little extra pudge?
A more important loss would be my self-focus.
And… we can never over-indulge in getting closer to God.
Sweet.
If you make problem-solving secondary to the goal of living close to Me, you can find joy even in your most difficult days. ~ from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Ha! I highlighted that very statement in the Jesus Calling devotional, Toni! Thanks for sharing…thinking of you often….