Spiritual Belt

I have a confession to make . . . I lose weight, then gain it back. Lose it again and gain it back again. I have a belt to prove it.

The belt has not one, but three notches that are well worn. Sometimes I come very close to throwing the belt away, but hold on to it because it's one of my favorites. When I am at my last notch I realize how close I am to losing the belt for good. When I am smaller and three notches into the belt, I smile as I remember I am not where I used to be  . . . larger.

If I had a spiritual belt, I wonder what it would look like? It think it would look the same as the belt I wear. Sometimes I am lazy, sluggish, and distracted. It is at these times I began to realize that I am getting near to losing something very special -- a close relationship with my Heavenly Father. When I am lean, focused and dedicated, I look at the last notch and realize I'm not where I used to be.

As I go into a new year I once again spend time reflecting on the past 12 months. In the physical I ask: How did I do with my weight? my eating habits? my sleep habits? my job performance? Then I move on towards the spiritual and I ask: How did I do spending time praying? reading my Bible? memorizing scripture? studying God's Word? reaching out to others? I could go on and on with both the physical and spiritual "check up."

What have I decided? This year I am pulling my belt tighter; physically -- "Only one piece of pie please. Yes, the small one will do", and spiritually -- spending quiet moments reflecting, praying, and thanking God for His love and most of all His gift to us, His Son Jesus.

What would your spiritual belt look like?

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