No Additives Please

You desire truth in the inward being;

Therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. 

Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean;

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow;

Let me hear joy and gladness.

Psalm 51:7-8a

 I started a cleansing diet. It’s a fast from intake that is not nutritious for my body – foods that contribute to being sluggish or that I might be sensitive to without realizing it. By removing the non-nutritious and difficult to digest foods, my body will have the opportunity to re-set itself. I’ll stop the insidious habit of grabbing what’s right in front of me and be more intentional about taking in beneficial (and fun!) foods. My objective is to discern what eating habits help me function best. 

 This got me to thinking. It is a good time for a mind and spirit fast as well. Why not? Sure I take in all kinds of spiritual nutrition and mindful learning. But sometimes in ‘over-eating’ I also develop insidious habits of taking in what’s not beneficial for me. Like words and attitudes that keep me from functioning at my best. There are a few additives that are making me sluggish. I’ve gotten rid of them before, but like I said, they are insidious at creeping back in when not paying attention! Like reading ingredients on labels, it is time to notice unhealthy additives like…cannot, unorganized, not enough. If I take out the -not, un-, and not-, that leaves me ‘consuming’ can, organized and enough. Definitely a more energizing diet.  

It is hard to change my habits, especially thoughtful ones. Yesterday I didn’t do so well on my mind and spirit fast. I know I was not at my best. But this is a new day. I’m discovering truth in my inward being by recognizing what is not helpful to take in. Wisdom in my secret heart isn’t found without making mistakes. As I continue to purge what is unhealthy and wash my mind and soul, I experience the dessert of joy and gladness. And who can’t benefit from that! I am joyful today that I can organize to meet you here. That is enough. Thanks for feeding me with your fellowship.

 In this together…