Favorites – Devotion 82

My favorite food is…french fries.  That’s right, surprisingly enough, it is not chocolate.  That’s a close second with coffee not far behind.  The margins are so minor you may not even notice.  But french fries sure do make me happy.  They are a salty, delicious treat that I could eat any time.  I have been known, in the past, to go through a drive through and only order the largest size of fries that are offered.  I like them fried, oven baked, air fried – any way they come.  They are just a fantastic bit of goodness.

The problem is that french fries are not always my friend.  They are not really good for my body and my cholesterol always takes a hit when I eat them.  I inherited cholesterol problems so I have to be cautious.  Eating my weight in french fries does not qualify as cautious, unfortunately.  I am required to make better choices – with a few fries sprinkled here and there.  I have to be careful with how often I sprinkle them in as well.

I mention this because there are many things in our lives that bring us delight.  But some of those things are not good for us.  They can be toxic when they consume our lives.  They can mess with the goodness that God has created in us.  They can harm us.  We have to take care of ourselves and monitor what is around us.  We need to make sure that we are doing the right things for ourselves so that we can help others.  We need to ensure we are filled with the best things so that we can bring glory to our Creator.  Sometimes that means not allowing things that cause extra anxiety, additional fear, or added stress.  Sometimes that means stepping away from situations which are harmful.  And sometimes that means just taking in our favorites in moderation.  Whatever that looks like for you, take measures to care for yourself so that you can be your best to love and care for others.  Today, take care of you.

Focus Scripture:

Matthew 22:37-39 (note the as yourself part)

³⁷ He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the greatest and first commandment. ³⁹ And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery