Okay. We're
committed. Ron and I have joined Moira
and Jerry and John and many others to begin "The Daniel Plan". That's right.
For 40 days (did I say 40??) we have committed to eat healthy, exercise
more, stay focussed, cultivate friendships, and grow deeper in our faith. You know, it's funny how those parts of "the
plan" that come easier to us than others tend to be the ones we want to do
first...place more importance on... (dare I say it) brag on your progress. But, not so fast! If you're like me, the "eating healthy" part
seems like an easy fix - until you start messing with my desserts. Uh oh.
Now we have a problem.
Take chocolate, for instance (I don't mean to
literally take it, please). How bad can
chocolate be for you? I mean
really. Yes, I've heard all the reports
that say a small (miniscule) piece of dark chocolate a day is actually good for
you. And while that news alone is reason
to break open a bottle of chocolate syrup to celebrate, I do question the... how
should I put this... "limitations" of the findings. =)
Not long ago I came across a certain "Chocolate
Lover's Diet" - and, of course, I immediately took notice. Just look at what their "clinically proven
research" has discovered about the "health benefits" of our beloved food.
What do you
think? Well, okay... While I'll admit a
couple of those findings might require a bit more "clinical research", overall,
they do make sense. Well... maybe not "make sense" as much as "make you laugh"... which, of course, is also good for
you. =)
The bottom line
is that eating healthy just may require a change in our thinking. And while that might sound more monumental
than deleting desserts, there is good news.
Changing your thinking is not solely up to you. Listen to what the
Apostle Paul had to say on the matter.
It's safe to say
that part of God's "good and pleasing and perfect" will for us is that we take
care of our bodies. This process starts
with God transforming the way we think. That's
why I'm so glad Rick Warren, the author of The
Daniel Plan, began his plan by focusing on our faith in God.
You must rely on Jesus. Yep. In every
area of life. Faith. Food.
Fitness. Focus. Friends.
True transformation begins with a personal relationship with Jesus,
which is then the foundation for building habits and perspectives for health in
every other area.
What God calls
you to do, He equips you to do. In matters of health or in matters of life... that's His commitment to you.
P.S. You know, that idea of a small piece of dark chocolate every day actually
sounds pretty good!