The Higher The Cost...

I amaze myself. I really do. There are moments of epiphany that the Lord gives me in His timing that make me pause to ask myself why I'm just now "getting" it...whatever "it" is. He moves a principle the 18 inches from my head to my heart and I just stand in awe...*scoff* amazed at the depth of my ignorance about something so simple until that moment!

Yesterday, I had my first of 4 sessions with a personal trainer. The gym I've worked out at for years ran a special recently; Husband took them up on it and encouraged me to do the same, so I went against my natural inclination that tells me that I already know as much as there is to know about such things, and signed up.

As it turns out, I don't know squat. Ha! No pun intended, but one of my better ones nonetheless.

After an hour or so of interview questions and measurements, she instructed me in a workout using balance boards, resistance weights and muscles I didn't know I had. I was hurting -- but not as much as I am today! What was striking about yesterday, though, was my willpower to just say no to my cravings and stay out of the pantry.

And I know what the key is!

I didn't want to overeat because my weight loss attempt that day had cost me something. Really cost me something. Usually I bring a curriculum, a magazine or book, and listen to my choir practice music, and listen to the news on the overhead televisions because it's loud enough to hear over my music. Yes, I multi-task really well at the gym. I don't know why I find it so hard here at home. It's probably my learning style. But I digress.

For all these years, going to the gym has not been much of a sacrifice. Yes, I've worked long, and I've always worked up a sweat, but it apparently has not been costing me anything -- or at least not enough. And so, my resolve was never as strong as it was yesterday. And as I thought more about it, the Holy Spirit recalled to me the passages that talk of sacrifice and the pearl of great price. I wonder what other situations prove out this principle? Salvation? Don't I hold tighter to my Savior because walking with Him has cost me the approval of my parents? What about something simple like paying a fee to adopt a pet? How about keeping a room tidy because you've spent a lot of time and energy fixing it up or straightening it out? I know I treat the dresses I've sewn for my girls with more care than the ones I just purchased on a lark at Walmart.

So...I think this is the time. I'm prepared to pay the price. I want the success and I'm going to work hard for it. I'm going to lower my cholesterol without medication. I'm going to float up the stairs in the my house. I'm going to function well on 7 hours of sleep without a nap.

And the trainer thinks she can get me into my goal size by Thanksgiving!