I had awesome plans while on vacation that included working out at least three times this week. I even noted the “light activity” days in my mind as my husband and I talked about our schedule. The problem is that the light activity days were filled with all the uncertainties and unexpected interruptions of any family vacation that includes a family reunion and a trip through unfamiliar territory. As just one example, last night, which in theory was one of the nights I could have hit a treadmill, I was so physically and psychologically exhausted from the trip until I dressed the kids for bed and fell asleep even before my head hit the pillow.
I had to laugh this morning as I jiggled my lower abs in the mirror (WARNING: don’t try this at home!) about a recent incident at our family reunion. I was standing in line at the family BBQ when I began to hold a conversation with other relatives and unintentionally held up the line behind me. As the gap widened between me and those in line ahead of me, my uncle yelled, “Go ahead, BJ (a nickname from childhood)! I know you’re not going to miss out on any food!” I laughed and told a joke that confirmed his declaration. I didn’t think any more about it until my husband brought it up on the drive yesterday, saying that he was about to speak up and defend me, but my humor let him know that it was okay. WOW! Talk about an “ah-ha” moment! My husband’s right; years ago I would have been so insulted and sensitive about such a comment that it would have ruined the rest of the reunion for me. The fact that I was able to laugh at myself and forget about it—immediately—was nothing but a step of growth and maturity. I’m even big enough (no pun intended) to admit that my uncle’s right; I don’t miss food, especially when we are in the 2nd most expensive city in the country and it’s paid for! I just have to continue to be sensible and responsible about how and when I eat. In the meantime, I’m thankful. Here’s my testimony:
1. I’m thankful for God’s deliverance from the insecurity and immaturity that would have made me crawl under a rock from someone else’s lack of sensitivity.
2. I’m thankful after helping other relatives who suffer with problems related to obesity that I do exercise, even if not consistently, and eat right (most of the time).
3. I’m thankful that the jeans my sister gave me slid down today as I took a short hike through the woods.
4. I’m thankful that at year’s end of 2005 I was led to fast for 10 days, and I was consequently delivered from a sweet tooth that would have probably killed me.
5. I’m thankful that during that fast I also embraced Romans 12:1-2 in my eating and exercise habits, realizing that I will need to make lifelong changes in the way I think about food, not just subscribing to the world’s latest diet fad.
Thank you, God, that I’m not where I’m going to be, but I’m not where I was. Bless Your name.

What a loving Lord we serve. I am always so edified to hear how He is delivering my sisters in their greatest needs, whatever they are. Thank you for sharing about this!
Keri