Gaining perspective on who I really am

“That can’t be me!” the thoughts surged through my mind, defensively covering for my unpleasing image.  I had aged, eaten what I wanted with no restraint, and become inactive.  What did I expect to happen?  Even looking in the mirror didn’t dissuade me.  Why not?  Because my eyes saw what they wanted to see…a handsome, young, fit, and athletic man.  Well, he disappeared a long time ago…if he ever really existed at all.

Facing the truth, I bit the proverbial bullet and ordered Nutrisystem.  Something drastic had to be done.  I was out of control and it was only getting worse by the day.  The overweight, out of shape, stagnant old man in the picture was my reality.  I could either continue to ignore it, or face the truth and do something about it.  So I did.

This first week of Nutrisystem has been challenging…well, that’s a nice word for it.  It was awful.  I’ve given up sugar, caffeine, volumes of food and choice in the hopes of shedding 30 pounds of weight and several inches.  I can’t say all the food is great, but there are many things I am learning weren’t as bad as I thought they’d be.  In fact, I kind of like them…don’t tell anyone.  I’ve consumed 64 ounces of water every day for a week now…replacing the 2-3 Code Red Mountain Dews I was used to.  Man, I do miss my Mountain Dew.  Oh well, but that brings me to my point.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  It just doesn’t happen.  If you want minimal results, change the minimum in your life.  If you want average results, change some things.  But, if you want drastic, mind-blowing results, change your life drastically.  I’ve changed my eating habits drastically, and will weigh tomorrow to see the results.  If you want to know what they are, go to my Facebook page: Mitchell S Karnes.  I’m going to post my results for week 1 tomorrow.  Trying to keep myself accountable.

As I thought of the diet and the statements above, it made me ponder my Christian walk and life.  You see, I’ve been praying for drastic results in my life and my church.  I didn’t want no change, little change or even some change.  I wanted mind-blowing change and results.  The problem?  I wasn’t willing to put in the effort to do so.  Don’t misinterpret that to mean I think I can do it all.  I know it is Christ who makes the miracles happen and the change possible.  But I am expected to work diligently and faithfully…to pray and to surrender myself…in order to see drastic results.  And, like the diet, that takes sacrifice and commitment.  I pledge to do that very thing.  How about you?

What change are you wanting in your life?  What are you willing to do to make it possible?  Don’t expect more than you’re willing to give.

Mitchell