Mac Attack!

Why is it so hard to resist a Big Mac when you're feeling stressed and tired? Tonight I gave in! As I savored each bite of my scrumptious and tasty Big Mac, and as I sampled and munched on hot, fresh, crisp and salty fries... I couldn't help but wonder, what is it that made me give in to the Big Mac urge when I'm trying so hard to eat healthy and stay fit?

I'm sure you're thinking... maybe I deserved it. It was probably a stressful day or a stressful week. If that's what you're thinking, you would be correct! I'm supposed to leave for Israel the day after tomorrow. But due to a volcano eruption in Iceland, there is ash in the air. So my overseas flight might be canceled. Meaning, no dream trip to explore Israel. OK... so that can cause a wee bit of stress.

What about the chocolate shake that I had to have to go with my Big Mac? My oh my... it was good too! That one was easy to justify. There has been some upheaval with my husband's job. They love him so much that they want him in more management positions... OVERSEAS! I intensely dislike being apart from him for months on end. I'm sure you can understand the stress that can potentially cause.

OK, OK... I confess. I also had an apple pie! It was SO good... I was STUFFED, but it was SO good! I made myself eat it. (Trust me, it wasn't that hard.) What can I say? Finances have been tight lately. No money for any extras. (A Big Mac, since it is food, isn't an extra, is it?) I've been feeling the crunch this week with it being tax week. OK... so tight finances can cause some additional stress.

It's really quite simple. Stress + comfort food = peace... right?

Hmmm...let's be real. Instead of using a small amount of pinky finger faith and turning to God for my comfort, I used a lot of ten finger faith as I picked up my Big Mac, (it takes both hands), my fries, (each finger loves the feel of them), my chocolate shake, (I have to wash it all down), and my apple pie. (What's a great meal without a great dessert?) I attempted to relieve my stress and get my comfort from the food. Isn't that what comfort food is all about?

Helloooo... it didn't work.

As I contemplate the misery of a gurgling stomach, I feel stuffed, bloated and my fingers are already puffy and swollen from all the salt on the fries. If only I had gone for a small fry. I'm sure that would have made a BIG difference. But, I needed extra comfort.

So, as I sit here on the couch, moaning over how ill I feel... feeling guilty for eating unhealthy junk food, I finally did what I should have done in the very beginning. "OK God... here I am again. I need peace and comfort from you. Only you. The Big Mac didn't work. I choose to trust you with our future and I know you are guiding our steps. I have faith in you to lead us no matter what!"

YES! Peace at last! It's amazing how many times we know better, but choose not to do better. So we do one more lap around that same mountain in our life. Isn't it great that God is so patient with us?

I think next time I'm going to shoot for reminding myself BEFORE the urge takes over, that comfort food doesn't change anything. (Other than my waistline!) Turning to God and using my Pinky Finger Faith changes everything!

"You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." Matthew 17: 20, 21 NLT