March 22, 2013 - A New Start

Yea, it's Friday and we made it through another week and successfully transitioned into Spring 2013. That's a lot, huh? I pray your week has been one of productivity, success and X-treme LOVE. I am more convinced that we must fight to LOVE ourselves in the greater picture of loving others "as we love ourselves." When we feel bad about failure or even the simple daily routine of fitting into our clothes, does this effect us and ultimately effect our day? For the majority of us the answer is yes. When we feel bad about our health journey, often that consumes our sweet spot. We would all like to say it doesn't, but I am afraid our attitude about the way we look influences more of our day than we would like to admit. The arrival of spring brings many feelings - the beauty of the flowers, the staggering effects of the pollen and a sign of NEW LIFE. It's amazing that after 56 springs, I still get excited when the dead leaves blow away (or are raked away) and fresh colors explode on the trees and flowers. This annual event always renews my heart with the notion that new life can happen over and over. I like second, third, fourth and 56th chances. I need them. How about you? Sometimes we need a reminder that we can start again - even after what seemingly appears to be a season of death and utter failure. I spoke with someone recently who had decided that trying again to be healthy was no longer worth the effort after so much failure. I understand feeling the effects of failure and being scared of failing again - it's devastating. But God never gets tired of offering his help. Never! Isn't that cool? Everyone may be tired of helping us succeed EXCEPT God. As we look at spring this year, let's all smile as we embrace a renewed sense that God has plans to do good by us and not harm us. God knows his thoughts toward us and nothing changes them - not our success nor our failure. But today, this week, let's shed the dead leaves of winter, make a fresh commitment to LIFE and commit to rake our "failures" into the fire heap where they can be consumed by truth. We can only walk and stand in truth if we are willing to allow truth to change us. Are you willing for your "dead leaves" to be set on fire? I am! I have things that need to be consumed and destroyed. I am willing to allow death to produce life. How about you? Happy Spring! PK