August 23, 2012 - Are You Smiling?

Is anyone else sensing an unusually cool August? I love the cooler temps, but so do my roses. As soon as the temperature begins to fall, they seem to smile. Although we water them, they simply don't do as well in the blistering heat. They don't do well in a semi-shade situation either, but respond well to the cooler temps. Picky, right? But isn't that the way most of us are? I do much better in certain situations than others. I wish I responded the same way EACH time to all situations. But that is not the way God created me. While He never promised we would go through life drama free, he does promise (in multiple places in His Word) to be ON CALL to help when we need him. The trials and periods of testing can be intense at times........really intense. Drama seems to always show up at my house when I am hungry. But while drama comes, it also leaves. We have to remember.....to everything there is a season (Proverbs). While some of us are fighting desperately with a low number of calories right now, some are resting and working the plan. Some are wrestling with the "last 10" while others are cruising toward their goal weight. We cannot compare and we cannot become discouraged. Being faithful to weigh, eat, rest and hydrate properly will ensure that some of these seasons conclude as they are supposed to. Making excuses to take a bite of this, or take a bite of that may prolong a season. While we have NO control over the seasons in nature, I am CONVINCED that we do have some control over the seasons in our lives - especially as that relates to our health. I was looking at some photo albums 2 nights ago and I almost cried - I had NO idea that I was THAT heavy! My daughter said, "mom, does that make you want to cry?" My husband said, "you look so unhappy." I was and I never seemed to find a way out, a change, a new season. My bad choices kept me in that season for most of my life. I never WANTED to accept the fact I had a large portion of control in changing the temperature of that season. I just "lived" there and was miserable! I am in a different "season" now and with everything in my heart - I plan to hang right here. My smile is different now; not simply because I weigh less, but because I am healthy. Are you smiling? PK