Your not "really" fat. . .

So, I admit it. I have put on about 20 more pounds than I am comfortable with. None of my clothes are comfortable and I don't feel good about myself at all. Now, I'm not satisfied to just let that be, of course, but this posting isn't about what I'm doing to lose weight or get healthier. Not this post, anyway.

This post is about the honesty of children and how they can inspire us to be better than we would allow of ourselves without their influence in our lives.

My little guys and gals love their mom. When I make any type of acknowledging statement of my weight gain, my children are quick to quip something encouraging (ha!). Funny thing is, however, they just can't be dishonest (well, at least not very well). So they say something like "you are not really fat" Aww, that is just so. . . sweet. Not. But, I have to admit - there is more power in those words than I'd care to admit.

I was just talking with my husband tonight about how many, if not most, struggles can be boiled down to will power. Not doing what you know your shouldn't. Whether this is with drinking, bad eating habits, or hollering at the kids. However exerting will power is just as much about making ourselves do what we ought to be doing. For example, while it takes will power for me to pass on the donuts at church on Sunday during fellowship time (not doing what I shouldn't), my will power is also being called on when I need to get out of the house and take that walk in the evening (doing what I should but don't feel like).

If will power were available in a pill form, we'd all have it in abundance. Am I right? But it isn't. It is something that we expect of our children and maybe even demand of our spouses, but it is really a universal struggle for each and every one of us - young and old, male and female. I don't think it is an accident. I think that we need to know that we need to rely on God. In the book of Roman's, Paul sums it up pretty clearly (if clearly can be used anywhere near this passage): "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me."

So, what is the bottom line? What do we need to do? We need to realize that we will never be perfect this side of heaven, but we also need to realize that we cannot use that as an excuse not to do our best to please God. We need to further acknowledge and accept that we cannot do anything without God. However, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Line your will up with God's will for you and your life and your sure to find lots of "will" power!

Whatever your struggle, commit to reading God's word and praying for his help and guidance daily. And, if you have children like mine, give them a kiss and try to appreciate their little "helpful" comments. (smile)