Did you ever notice how sometimes “unplanned” or “unexpected”
things turn out to be a pleasant surprise? Sometimes, the arrival of unexpected company, although
they may show up when you are in the middle of something, on your way out the
door, or worse yet…when the house is a mess, can turn out to be a truly
enjoyable afternoon. Or maybe a detour
or road block on the drive home from work, although it may be annoying after a
long day, can turn out to be a relaxing time spent alone with your thoughts or
may lead you down a country road where you see a deer or a field full of
wildflowers….or provide you with the “unescapable” time to chat with your
teenager. If I truly believe that God
always has my best interest in mind….and He knows what I need at any given
moment…(even if it doesn’t fit into my “schedule”), then I must try a bit
harder not to get so frustrated when things don’t go exactly as I plan them. I
need to be a bit more patient and try to recognize the hand of God in all my
daily comings and goings.
This morning I was reminded of this when I went out before
dawn to water my garden and I discovered these two sunflowers in bloom. Those
four plants sprouted in one of the new perennial gardens I planted earlier this
summer. I have no idea where they came from; I suspect a squirrel or chipmunk
had raided my birdfeeder again! I honestly didn’t even know what they were
because I have never grown sunflowers before so I didn’t recognize the plant
until it bloomed, but as it grew, I began to suspect that it wasn’t a weed and
even though it sprouted unexpectedly right on top of one the smaller perennials
that I had purchased, it was a true delight to see these blooms smiling at me
first thing this morning.
I went back in the house to finish my coffee and began to
ponder… “What am I supposed to learn from these unexpected, unplanned flowers”? I have never witnessed it, but I have heard/read
that sunflowers are unique in the plant world and that they are called “sunflowers”
because they actually turn their heads throughout the day so that they are always
facing the sun. Sounds like they have
the right idea….to always turn away from the darkness and keep facing the light….so
that they may get the energy they need to bloom. Hmmm…..
Sounds like a good plan to me! Over the past 2 ½ years of
this journey to better health, I have experienced both highs and lows….triumphs
and plateaus….good days and bad. There
were days when it was harder than others to resist temptation…but I did anyway.
There were days when I absolutely 100% DID NOT want to go for a walk or do
something physical….but I did, in spite of the chilly temps or aching muscles.
There were days when I was discouraged and thought of giving up….but I didn’t. There were a lot of times when others tried
to discourage me.....sabotage me….got jealous or frustrated because I wouldn’t
eat….just a bite….., but I didn’t let them dissuade me. I’m often asked how I stayed
focused…how I got past those moments of discouragement and doubt…how I kept
going. My answer is always the same:
ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD! There is no other explanation and day after
day, I have to continually…every moment…every meal…every day, turn to God for
strength, for I know that I am addicted to food and there is no way, no how,
that I can win this battle on my own!!!! Fortunately, in my weakness, GOD is
strong!
There are always times in our lives when the “sun” or the “light”
or “any sort of joy, love, or happiness” may seem to be non-existent, either
because of sickness, despair, doubt, grief, loneliness, depression….whatever,
and we may feel like the “darkness” or “pain” will overtake us. I encourage
you, like those unexpected sunflowers, to always keep your face toward the
Light…always keep your focus on God….always keep your eyes on your goals…….even
turn your head completely around if you need to, and don’t get swallowed up by
the discouragement and DON’T….EVER….GIVE….UP!
This holiday weekend may be full of “unexpected” or “unplanned”
and perhaps “stressful” moments, but I am I going to try my very best to stay
positive…to go with the flow….to keep looking for the unexpected blessing….and
to stay focused and motivated. I encourage you to do the same! We can’t control what OTHERS are going to do
or what the weather may be…but we can control how WE will react. And be sure to
plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so that you don’t find yourself giving
in to poor choices because you weren’t prepared. Have a relaxing, restful, and SUNSHINE filled
weekend!
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