So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

An Ongoing Bariatric Journey – Day 5

It is strange to awaken with such a diametrically unique set of feelings about nourishment and hydration.

Instead of waking up thirsty and hungry, I am somewhat dreadful of the first few swallows. I don't really want to drink fluids, but I know I must. 

There has been no shortage of food smells around me. I have prepared meals for my grandson and even watched a couple of cooking shows with the family.

It doesn't smell bad and it doesn't smell particularly good.

My goal today is really the absolute standard:  67.6280452 ounces. That is basically 8 cups. I could have guzzled that much in 3 sittings in the past. Now it is a struggle.

Tomorrow, we start adding protein.

This is for my body, Christ's temple. The pleasure will come later. The desire will reemerge. For now, it is about the basics of cognitively knowing that I must do this and reminding myself to do so.

With all disciplines in my life, there are times when I would rather not bother. Then there are times when they are accompanied by great and serendipitous joy. This is true of scripture, prayer, reading, writing, serving others, and sitting down for meaningful conversation.

Our attitudes toward food, at least mine, have gotten stuck in gratification mode … until now.

The glory of God is an upward call to a higher purpose. For those whose world-view does not embrace an eternal perspective, higher purpose is still a relevant concept. Behind every something is something greater. The closer we align our own purposes with what is higher, deeper, greater, stronger, and more intrinsic, the greater our genuine joy.

In the hospital, my doctor represented the law, setting the standard below which I should not go (on fluid consumption). A very reassuring nurse represented grace. Her words did not discount the truth of law's standards, but encouraged me to measure progress toward the goal, do what I could, and believe that it would get better.

I have talked to some folks who have taken the grace factor beyond its own functional boundaries and have abused their lee-ways. They have either returned for more surgery or returned to their previous conditions.

I did not do this thing to survive or to return to normal. I was aiming for glory and that is what will get me through it: eating and drinking to the glory of God. That will also work for my good.