I weigh myself every morning.
And yes, it matters to me if the scale goes up or down. Right now, the number on the scale matters even more than it does at other times because I’m focused on losing weight. Not a lot of weight — just the 10 pounds that keep sticking around and annoying me.
But here’s the thing: I am not going to let the up and down of my scale make or break my day. I’m not going to let a thing be the Voice of Authority in my life and tell me if it’s going to be a good day — because I lost a pound — or a bad day — because my weight stayed the same or (GASP) went up a pound.
My worth is not measured in pounds or inches.
It’s been a hard fought battle to believe that I’m not defined by my weight or my looks or how I compare to someone else. But I’ve anchored my value, my worth, my significance to Truth that is steeped in something more than what others say about me. I’ve learned that yes, beauty is only skin deep — and God looks at the heart anyway, so why spend so much time focusing on the externals?
In Your Words: When you weigh yourself, how are you measuring yourself? Are you limiting yourself to a man-made scale or something more eternal?
In Others' Words: Measure Up http://bit.ly/2wwrnYK #quotes #perspective Click To Tweet 'Scales always lie. They don't make a scale that ever told the truth about value, about worth, about significance.' http://bit.ly/2wwrnYK Quote by @AnnVoskamp #worth #truth Click To Tweet
Comments 14
I sought a hard rule
whose numbers were bold
and then played the fool
as I aped what it told.
I wasn’t enough, and no tool
fixes that, but ere I fold,
dip my head to the gruel
that I merit – and oy!, it’s cold!
I’ll rebel, and break with the pack;
A failure I am, but there’s nought that I lack.
Author
So, Andrew: did you write that poem? And yes, I think we let others tell us what rule we must live up to so that we are acceptable. Once again, we have to be careful who we let be our Voice of Authority.
Beth, yeah, it’s mine.
And you’re so right!
Great post, Beth, You spoke to som of the truths God has planted in my heart over the past few years. And though I’ve added pounds to my frame this year, I am not letting that dictate if I see myself as beautiful or not. Because, yes, God does look at the heart, and that’s what matters most.
Author
Jeanne: I’ll admit it’s been a struggle for me — this outer beauty vs. inner beauty balance. There are days I can still get tripped up by it, by I hope that I’ve taught my daughters better.
I really needed this today! I’ve been on the Keto diet for a month and this morning after working hard all week exercising and eating right, I gained a pound and a half! I was discouraged but reading this was what I needed.
Author
Gail: I’m so glad this was timely for you. I know many people who’ve been successful with the Keto diet. And I encourage you to not give up. Stay the course. And remember, your worth is not measured by the numbers on that scale!
I’m actually glad I don’t have a scale in my house. I can easily get obsessed with the numbers. I go more based on how my body feels/functions. If I’m exercising regularly and eating relatively healthy and having my green shakes (in chocolate almond milk, so they aren’t actually green), then my body feels great and functions well. If I let those things slip, I start to feel sluggish and miserable, and I know I have to get back to the goods.
All of that goes in conjunction with a healthy spiritual life. If I let that slip, depression sets in. So I stay in prayer and in the Word of God as much as I can, because maintaining my relationship with God is the most important aspect of my life.
Beth, I’ve got to say, the package you come in is beautiful. God knew that when He planned you. I’m happy that you’re aiming for good health (both in body and spirit). And your heart… that’s the most precious, most gorgeous part of you, my friend. You’re amazing. Hugs!
Author
Andrea: I appreciated everything you said today. You’re very well grounded. But also, thank you once again for encouraging me. You put a smile on my face. 🙂
Aw, thanks, Beth. 🙂
You often put a smile on my face too, and I’m glad to return the favor.
Diet always sounds temporary. I chose to change my eating habits because of high cholesterol. And I can see doing this permanently. My husband actually said last night in a restaurant that our program has been fun doing it together.
It is working and we both feel so much better. And my cholesterol is coming down without any meds.
Author
Daphne: I agree with you about the word “diet.” It sounds like “I’ll do this for awhile and then be done.” I like the idea of being healthy, staying healthy — not some temporary change just for now.
I’ve had friends say it’s better not to weigh each day but I generally do, usually at the gym. Daily ups and downs can be discouraging and I can see that long-range trends are more important. It seems like God encourages me to consider daily details as well as the long-range overview. As for you losing 10 lbs, I personally don’t see it. You looked absolutely great when I saw you in MN. Wanting you to stay healthy and happy!
Author
Hi, Dee: I think it’s true that we need both a short term and long term perspective on life. As for these 10 pounds of mine, I think we each know what we’re comfortable with (or without) — and that’s what I’m focusing on. 🙂