Make the Means Justify the End

You've heard the idiom, "the ends justify the means" or the end excuses any evil, meaning it doesn't matter what you do (right or wrong) getting there as long as when you get there, you achieve your goal. Well, I'm putting a little spin on that thought tonight. I'm saying, make the means justify the end.

Let me put it into context...I've had eczema on my neck for many years. Not many people see it, and honestly, I am not often bothered by it, but every time I get my hair cut and the hair dresser asks about it or I sweat a lot, and it begins to burn, I say to myself...why do I not regularly use the cream I have that totally heals it?! Why? Because it's a pain. I have to use it every day or the rash reappears. So, usually, I just say it's not worth it. I guess it's the same idea as people who refuse to make their beds because they're just going to mess it up again.

Another example is conquering a great feat like training to climb a mountain, then climbing it, studying hard for a test, then passing, etc... You can rejoice in that great accomplishment if you get there fairly and honestly.

Well, I'm in that phase of life right now with my diet. Because of my ongoing health issues, I've been told I must go on a very strict diet--no carbohydrates, no starches, no sugars, no grains, no fruits and NO DIET COKE (or any carbonated drink.) So many of my friends and family have been huge encouragements to me, for which I am grateful, but honestly, it has been pretty easy to say no thus far. (I know I am only on day 11, but it's the best I have done in a long time.) I know that the reason it has been easier this time around is because of God's strength in me... and the reality that I am living with chronic pain. It's easy to say no to the tempting piece of fresh zucchini bread with warm butter when I picture that piece as being equal to continued pain and sickness. Thus, it's so not worth it! I am gonna make the means justify the end... no cheating along the way...

So, here's to you--you who are trying to spend more time with your kids; you who are trying to lose weight; you who are trying to exercise more regularly; you who are trying to get out of debt; you who are trying to keep your house cleaner; you ... fill in the blank (btw, all these are ME) ...let's not make excuses to getting where we wanna go. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it takes time, energy and resources. And yes, we're tired and lazy, but it's worth it. I'm not going to choose to do anything morally wrong in my journey to achieve the result that I want, but I am going to pray so hard, work so hard, be encouraged so fully that each step along the way will be celebrated...and each day that I make a good choice, get good results...well then, that's a victory, right? There are fireworks going shooting off in my world tonight! : )