For Today’s post, I wanted to share a really important truth about healthy living….
It’s not always easy, and sometimes it is downright hard!
I know, I am so uplifting today, right? You must be thinking, “Wow, Angie that was un-insightful and kind of depressing…this is not why I read this blog”
And, you would be right. I try to be uplifting and positive in my writing, and I always try to find new, exciting, and easy ways to incorporate healthy choices into our lives. However, the truth is that living a healthy life isn’t always new, easy, and fun. Sometimes, it takes sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance.
In light of this reality, I have recently been convicted about one of my bad habits: complaining. Lately, I have found myself doing this more than usual. I think we all go through seasons of life, and I think right now I am just in a season of experiencing the more challenging part of choosing to live a different way.
Preparing whole foods is time-consuming. Gone are the days of baby carrots and pre-cut fruit. We, as a family, have made a choice to try to eat more whole foods. Sometimes. I love being in the kitchen knowing that I am investing my time into the physical and financial health of my family. But other times, I just get frustrated with how long everything takes, and I just want to run to the nearest drive thru (and occasionally I do:).
To combat my complaining habit, I am challenging myself to remember; to remember why we are making these choices. I frequently need to remind myself that eating whole foods is better for our health, our budget, and our planet. I also have to call to mind the truth that these efforts will pay large long-term dividends. I also want to remind myself to embrace the joy of serving others. I am blessed to have the time to serve my husband in this way. I have been given the gift of time to learn about sustainable and healthy living, and I want to be mindful of this gift.
I hope you find this post encouraging today, in whatever challenging situation you may find yourself in,
Encouragement from Scripture:
The entire book of Philippians an excellent resource for anyone struggling with issues stated above. Here are some of the parts that have been a specific encouragement to me:
Chapter 1:3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Chapter 2:12-16
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”