Thoughts on Getting Going

This week our church collected 314 pounds to "Match the Pastor's Weight" for our local food bank. Now I have never weighed that much so I am thankful that everyone exceeded our fun goal. Many hungry people will be fed because of your faithfulness. Thanks for helping. As I thought about that goal and about my real struggle with weight loss, I also realized that I seem to be at a standstill on losing weight. I work out regularly and eat good foods in moderation, yet I cannot seem to get beyond that first loss of 20 pounds. It's frustrating.

If I am to lose more weight, I need to do something different, yet it is so hard to get going on more exercise or eating less.

Then I thought that sometimes life throws some pretty bad curves in our path that keeps us from getting going in other areas. Financial difficulty, marriage problems, sudden ill health issues and many more often leave us wondering what do I need to do to just get going and make things better.

Of course, if we don't deal properly with these big issues of our lives, then they become worse. I have talked with many people during my ministry who just can't seem to get going on making their life better and they have suffered for so long that they now are in a real serious state of depression. When I began in the ministry, depression was thought of as a mental disorder that only needed a kick in the pants to get you going out of it. Wow, was that way off base. I pray that if you are suffering from some amount of depression over your life issues that you don't beat yourself up with those old bad words about this serious situation.

I am certain that many of us have periods when we are down and can pull ourselves out of that feeling, but that is not depression. Now, keep in mind that I am not a medical doctor,but it seems to me that depression is a serious challenge to many of us that needs some intervention. If you are just down a bit, then a brisk walk in the sunlight or a nap when you are tired may help. But if you suffer from long bouts of downess, then you may need some help. So here is what I would suggest if you just can't seem to get going:
1. Go to your family doctor for a complete physical. Some bouts of depression have phsyical causes and can be corrected.
2. Take charge of your life and go take a walk, drink more water and eat better today.
3. On Sunday morning, get up and go to church. It is amazing how many people think that staying in bed will make them better. But the contrary is a truer statement - going to church and being with people who will love you and help you will indeed make things better.
I would love to discuss your feelings and your faith so why not come by this Sunday morning and let's get to know one another. Take care of yourself, you are the best you that there is. Allen