Self-control

Self-control seems like a dirty word. It feels like limitation or denial. I think of self-control and my first thought is doing without. I work hard and I’m an adult so I deserve to have what I want, when I want it. Being told no or to wait is for kids, not adults.

Then I put self-control to the test. If it is something God wants me to have, I will practice it. I can give it my best shot and see what happens. I believe it can't be bad but wonder what good it will do.

I decided to start small and move toward controlling the more difficult. I noticed a big problem right from the start. Nothing was easy to control, I couldn't figure out where to start. Food seemed simple; certainly I could start with controlling my chocolate addiction. This was not as easy as I envisioned. Exercise, prayer, my temper, my tongue, this was not going to be a challenge I enjoyed.

One day at a time, one step at a time, one small challenge at a time. Don't say it. Don't eat it. Believe it. Bible before breakfast. Run. Do I really need it? I tried, I controlled, I slipped and I started over again. I learned.

Through self-control I gained power. I ran marathons, got healthier, and grew closer to God. No longer does self-control mean limitation to me. Self-control doesn't close my options it opens my heart, my mind and my connection to God and to myself.