Advent – Peace – Day 12

I sure like to think of myself as a spiritual person. Here I am, writing away about spiritual things, usually with a Christian theme, while quoting Scripture and encouraging people to keep on keeping on this side of Heaven.

But I have a confession to make: I can study my Bible, pray intently, place Scriptures on my bathroom mirror, and jam out to praise music, but if I totally ignore the physical and mental part of my being, I’m going to end up the woeful subject of my own pitiful tragedy of Biblical proportions. 

This week, the temptation has been physical, namely in the form of doughnuts that keep appearing in the office. I’ve been doing my best to give up the majority of the usual sweets for the last few months, and I’ve been fairly successful–that is, until this week. 

It’s as if the Krispy Kreme Fairy has usurped the rightful spot of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and instead of bestowing grace and elegance, I’ve ended up with blood sugar spikes, bad moods, and a belly that feels more like a blowed-out can of Pillsbury biscuits. 

My current count is three caramel doughnuts, a cupcake, a chocolate doughnut, a chocolate muffin, and a cake doughnut–small in appearance, yet as thick and dense as a hockey puck. I think I could knock a dog out with it.

That’s just from the office, and the week ain’t over yet.

Tomorrow, I will do my best to say no, stay away from the sweets table, and remember that no one is cramming doughnuts, cupcakes, or muffins down my throat. I have partaken of them by my own free will, knowing that I will pay for it later, one way or another.

We are physical creatures as well as spiritual, and if we do not create habits that help us care for our bodies and minds as well as our spirits, then we are doing ourselves more than just a grand disservice–we are disrespecting the bodies that God has given us.

And those habits need to sustain throughout the holiday season. What good is it to seek peace through spiritual means if we approach every holiday event as if we’re Joey Chestnut at the Nathan’s Hot Dog Competition on the Fourth of July? We eat and drink until we make ourselves sick–but it’s Christmas, and it’s part of the holiday fun! Right? 

How much peace are you finding with your head hanging over a toilet, or waking up with a bellyache in the middle of the night and needing your Zantac or Gas-X, or feeling like your blood pressure and heart rate are soaring away on Santa’s sleigh?

We make jokes about wearing our stretchy pants and leggings, almost as a point of pride, and stuff ourselves like a Christmas turkey, then complain about feeling like crap afterward.

Ignore it if you want to–it’s your body and your life–but I’m going to try to do better. 

It’s not worth giving up an inch of my peace. 

My daughter just cracked open a Dr. Pepper. I took a whiff, and my eyes about rolled back in my head from sheer delight.

But I did not sip. I’ve more than met my sugar quota for the day.

So when you do your Bible study, prayer, or whatever helps you grow in your relationship with God, don’t forget: you’re a physical creature as much as spiritual. 

Take care of yourself, in all ways. Your peace depends on it.

Besides, they didn’t have Dr. Peppers in Bethlehem, and I doubt the Wise Men stopped off at the Dunkin’ Donuts to pick up a dozen before they wheeled in with their gifts.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I Corinthians 9:27 ESV

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Reflection and Prayer: Why do some of us feel the need to gorge ourselves around the holiday table? I’m guilty, as charged, so no judgment here. Thank God for the food that he has provided, as well as the special people with whom you will share a holiday meal. Also ask him for the self-control needed to treat your body with kindness during this time of year.