Carrying a Lighter Burden: Plan Ahead

Matt 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”   Have you ever been so “stressed  out” because of a particular event in your life that you start to eat anything that you want?   I have certainly been guilty of that, as I think most of us have.  Before you start to eat those Cheetos that you vowed to give up, ask yourself these three questions: 1.  How will I feel about myself after I am done eating this? 2.  Am I really hungry or just lonely, tired, stressed, happy, or angry? 3.  Is this a healthy meal and will it fill me up until my next meal?   When we have events in our lives that add stress, including happy stress; if we don’t watch it, we can easily  to go overboard and eat things that we don’t really want or need.   Don’t get me wrong, if you are celebrating a wedding, anniversary, promotion etc., please do have a reasonable sized treat– don’t deprive yourself, but do plan ahead.    For example, if you are going to a wedding and you want to enjoy a slice of cake, plan to have a light lunch and I promise that you will enjoy that slice of cake even more!  Because you have taken the time to plan, you are circumventing the burden of guilt!  His burden is light!    Stressful situations will come.  When you step back and plan ahead by asking yourself some questions, and being honest with your answers, you will find yourself carrying a lighter burden.    Remember, you can do this. You are worth it.  And most of all, like my mother used to say, “Don’t use your credit card (or calories) for un-budgeted expenses (like junk food)!”   May you always remember that God is there to help carry you through all of life’s stressful situations – His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.   In Christ, Cicely Edited by Sparkle Barbie

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• Malorie Lucich: Make News Work for You