John 5

Last week, the pastor told a story. He had gotten some routine blood tests done, and his doctor emailed him telling him that he has the cholesterol profile of a 60-year old. He's only about 30 and looks physically fit. The problem lies in his sweet tooth. So he reluctantly set out to change his diet.


At first, replacing the sweets and junk food with a list of acceptable substitutes like apples, quinoa, and oatmeal was tough. We all laughed when he said he that he ate through his list before 10am in the morning and was still hungry. He would glance over at his coworker's goodies at lunch and crave sweets.


About three weeks into his diet, he began to notice a change--not in his cholesterol level (not something you can really notice on your own) but in his mentality and in his strength. This one discipline of eating healthier permeated into other areas of his life, and he felt more in control of the choices that he made. It was like an inner resilience was being forged in him.


That is not to say that sweets are absent completely from his life. The times that he does allow himself to indulge in a small treat are extra special. He is able to appreciate it more, and time seems to slow down. 


This story really resounded with me. I know that the one discipline--in my case, D moving away--will permeate into other areas in my life and sharpen me. I hope that we can appreciate our memories from a distance. 


The first person to step in after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease he had. One of the men lying there had been sick for 38 years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, He asked him, "Would you like to get well?" 
"I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me."
Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"
Instantly, the man was healed. He rolled up his mat and began walking.