“One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small. And the ones that your mother gives you, don’t do anything at all. Go ask Alice, when she’s ten feet tall!” Isn’t it interesting how we have developed into a society that expects instant results and judges based on what we see. It isn’t just identified in music or current literature either, the Bible warns about judging by sight and expecting instant results. I’m a victim of this thinking all the time and frequently I’m not even conscience of its draw. I knew the carrot wasn’t ready to harvest and yet the neighbor’s cucumber made it impossible to wait any longer to see how our carrots had grown. Only three houses down the street, but a world of difference in an established garden of well-timed vegetables and a novice gardener’s ill-timed plantings.
As we have made dramatic changes to our diet, we have visible results that we are excited about. They keep us motivated and on track. Reduced weight and joint inflammation are pretty awesome. But some of the most important aspects of our diet are neither visible nor instant. The big one I struggle with is getting enough greens every day. I have to remind myself constantly about the research that proves the importance of greens for our vascular system. Most of the time, doctors emphasize the impact on our heart and brain because they are essential to maintaining life. But every area of our bodies is dependent upon blood flow, so in reality, greens should be one of the most important foods we include in our daily diet. But I can’t see them working, and it could take months for any evidence to show up in my bloodwork. It is easy to assume Alice is right and they do nothing at all. So, I read and listen to podcasts and am encouraged by the vast body of testimonies and research studies that demonstrate the reversal of disease and increase of energy and sexual vitality as a result of the consistent increase in the intake of foods that feed our endothelial system and a reduction in animal products that harm it.
And when it comes to the rest of my life, I’m striving to learn when to not judge on first impressions or the lack of instant results, when to wait and persevere, and when to change directions and avoid Einstein’s definition of insanity which is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If that store is always out of my favorite produce, maybe it is time to find another store. And if that person is always prone to negative talk and questionable actions, perhaps I should consider limiting my time with them and finding friends who support my healthier lifestyle.
What isn’t readily visible in your life but just might need to change? Or what are you considering giving up on too soon, and the reward will only come with perseverance? Nothing of any lasting value in life is instant, of this I’m certain.
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24 – NIV)
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road.” (C.S. Lewis – Mere Christianity)
“If you compare the artery function of those who don’t eat meat to those who do, the healthy ability of arteries to dilate normally and let more blood flow is four times better among those eating vegetarian, and apparently the longer, the better…Instead of their artery function worsening as they aged, it was getting better the longer they ate more healthfully.” (Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM – How Not to Age)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice