it seems to be a no brainer that january is the month of new commitments, a pledge to do life better. never heard is the pledge to try and complicate, or just in general make life worse.  but most of us experience some type of natural atrophy. we often end up smoking more, not less, eating worse, not better, isolate instead of join in, and of course, God? it seems he can end up farther away than ever.

any change can be unpleasant. health food compared to junk food is bland, unsatisfying, even repulsive. it does not matter how much information we have that certain food is better for us, information doesl not make it taste better.  it is doubtful that anyone reading this would not concur that drawing closer to God is a good idea. but what if it tastes bad?

the next few weeks we are looking at the ancient idea of spiritual disciplines--two words alone that wreak fear and panic, much less when placed together.  mostly the fear has to do with failing, the almost inevitable experience of falling short of a lofty goal and that we will forever be losers.

this is where spiritual disciplines might be different.  a resolution begins with the conclusion that we are slugs, losers. the thoughts in our minds go something like this:

"i am a loser / slob/ too fat/ weak/ selfish/ etc. and I must change" so, from day one we begin the process with the idea that we are bad if we don't change. we are bad and doomed.

spiritual discipline is completely different. it begins with the hopeful premise that i am somebody of significance, such significance that i am wanted, even desired by God.

true, we need to do something, but mostly it is in our perceptions (beliefs) of who we are, not our efforts. if we view ourselves as overweight, out of shape slugs signing up to run a marathon tomorrow, we will most likely not make it. if instead we grasp the reality that we are (spiritually speaking) almost there, totally capable, and quite frankly, loved and accepted regardless of our effort, then our motivation seems to change.

do not fear, the next few weeks at the refuge will not deepen the belief that you are a loser slug, but hopefully together we will see that we are the loved, equipped, in shape, capable people of God, just wanting a little more. . .