As you read this, I
will be returning my daughter to Philadelphia, PA to begin her second year of
college. It’s only 2 hours away, but she’s gone. Her room is quiet, I do not
hear her laughter echoing off the walls, nor do I hear the dance of her footsteps
upon the starts. I have to adjust to a new mindset. And that is the way of
transformational change.
Ephesians 4:22-24
teaches us
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to
put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be
made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to
be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
As the mom of a
college student, I am putting on a new self. I am parenting a fledgling adult,
and together we are learning new rhythms. The same thing happened with my
relationship to food, fitness, health and wellness. Today, sisters, I want you
to begin by freeing your minds.
 |
| "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" |
One definition of
insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different
result. Let’s begin by letting go of the expectations and habits that brought
each of us to the realization that we desired to treat our temples differently.
Let’s begin there. Did you write your apology to your temple? Did you apologize
for not consistently being a goodly, Godly steward? Keep that document close to
your heart; let it be your accountability partner. When you remember what you
don’t want to return to, you are more likely to move away from it than
returning to it. Make peace with what was, but firmly, assuredly, close that
door. It’s time to free your mind.
This week, I
challenge you to pray about and then adopt, just ONE change you can commit to
making in this new effort. I caution you to go slowly. Remember the Chinese
proverb, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step; I live by that. In
the first week of my transformation, I made one change, and it is one by which
I abide to this day. Before every single meal, I eat a first course. In the
morning that might be a piece of fruit or a couple carrots with my coffee. I am
breaking my fast, but also taking the edge off my hunger. When I decide what I
will eat for breakfast, it is a calm, thoughtful choice, and I’m not starving.
Often, I nibble while I’m cooking, savoring not only what I am preparing but
also the texture, smells, and flavors of my snack. At lunch, perhaps it’s a
small green salad. In every case, at every meal, I remember to plan for a first
course. Even when traveling, I ensure there is something good to snack on…I buy
bags of baby carrots a half dozen at a time, or blueberries, kiwis, anything
that makes me slow down and savor, breathe, and appreciate the variety of
goodness in Our Father’s Kingdom.
Snacking as an act of
grateful worship? Yup. It’s all about perspective. We miss so many
opportunities to give thanks because we’re busy buzzing from thing to thing.
Slow down. Savor. Experience. Appreciate. I look forward to hearing your
testimonies and your discoveries about your one thing. That one bit of your
mind that you’ll be freeing. I’ll be releasing our beautiful bird from the
nest. Praise God, she knows the way home, and isn’t too far. I’m learning to
let go. I’m freeing my girl, and freeing my mind. The rest? To God be the
Glory…..it’ll follow.
From Psalms 51….
God, create a clean
heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your
presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to
me, and give me a willing spirit. Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways,
and sinners will return to You.
It’s time to restore
our temples.
We’re going to do it
together, in Jesus’ Name, Selah and Amen.
