Before I was Afflicted...

In my September 3 blog I mentioned that I was on a quest to "do what comes unnaturally" in adding simple spiritual disciplines into my life, and that I would let you know how it goes. So, here is an update.

A couple of weeks ago I visited my doctor after going through all the blood tests and exams that accompany bi-annual wellness check-ups. She came into the room and said, "You have awesome health!" She went through each test result with me and she was right, I'm blessed with good health. But then we came to the fasting glucose test and she pointed out that my fasting blood sugar has risen just over the line into "borderline" diabetes. She said it was nothing to worry about, but that I should be aware of it.

Back home from my appointment, I thought I would look further into what someone with "borderline" diabetes should be doing to stay healthy. My dad, my sister and my nephew have diabetes and my aunt died of pancreatic cancer. I am quite aware of the effects of diabetes on people's health.

I learned that some experts say that there is no such thing as "borderline" diabetes. One can't be a little bit diabetic, just as one cannot be a little bit pregnant. Anyone who has a rising insulin/blood sugar imbalance should begin to live as if they are controlling diabetes.

That day I cut sugar right out of my diet. I began seeking the most healthy ways to eat, the best ways to exercise and anything else that will keep my blood sugar under control. It wasn't that hard to start making changes in my behavior since I had already begun the discipline of subtracting bad habits and beginning good ones in my life. The Lord and I had already been talking about these things most of this year.

Last week I read Psalm 119:67-68 and memorized it because it really spoke to my situation.

"Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I obey your word.

You are good and what you do is good.

Teach me your decrees."

These verses are so true! Before I was afflicted with concern about diabetes, I was much more ambivalent about how to care for my body properly. It was like a game, making changes and becoming more disciplined in my behavior, but now I see the Lord had something bigger in mind for me. He already knew the real condition of my health and he was laying the groundwork for me to get out of dangerous habits.

I was tempted to play with the lessons in discipline God was giving me before, and I could easily have strayed back to bad, old habits, but the Lord has changed that attitude. Now I am committed to obedience.

The Lord is so good! He has been good to me and what he has done is good. Now I am seated at his feet and ready for the next lessons in this school of spiritual discipline.