This past weekend became a
difficult one. Oh, not on the
outside. Someone watching me may have
commented, “Sharon’s having a good weekend,” as she observed me buying healthy
foods at the Farmer’s Market, then finding bargains at a yard sale and even
sitting on my patio, reading a fictional novel.
But the
watcher would not have been able to see the battle going on in my mind and
heart, a battle between food cravings and me.
Had oatmeal raisin cookies, caramel nut ice cream and/or Fritos to be
found in my cupboards or freezer, I’m not sure they would have still been there
at 9 p.m. on Sunday.
Did I turn
to the Holy Spirit during this battle?
Nope. I kept fighting on my own
power, which was exhausting. Finally,
finally, I cried out to the Lord, “What is going on?”
The answer
came quickly, “You’re bored.” That
answer was right on. I had been looking
to myself as to what I needed or wanted to do, rather than asking the Holy
Spirit, “What next?”
Paul tells
us in 1 Thessalonians to “Pray without ceasing” (5:17, New American Bible). Personally, I don’t think this means to be
using words all the time, but to be aware of God’s constant presence, of the
Holy One’s unfailing love.
What would
have happened had I cried out “Jesus, help me,” early on during my
struggle? I suspect help would have
come, my cravings ceased and peace descended into my heart.
Now I pray
this lesson learned be a lesson applied.
Sharon Witty
July
19, 2018
