We drove to Mexia to film a sermon. It is a one hour and twenty-five minute drive. Steve G. had been so kind as to prepare an ice chest and bring snacks for the trip. What he did not know is that he found my gas station kryptonite. I have been on a Covid-19 reduced eating plan not wanting my indoor life to drag me down. I have upped my exercise, limited my intake and tried to be as healthy as possible. Because the “junk food” I normally get is not in my house, it has meant an almost 100% reduction in the stuff that tempts me the most.
Steve dug through a bag and offered me this package of “donettes” (it just sounds so much better, they certainly have less calories than full grown doughnuts). I easily said, “No.” We continued down the road. Then, he reached for the bag and one fell out on the floor. I picked it up and placed it on the old ash tray, not wanting it ground into the flooring. There it rested gently.
Mile after mile its beautiful golden brown surface and crunchy exterior kept reminding me that there were still two more “donettes” lurking in the package. I would not be violating some law. It would not be a whole doughnut, just a little “ette.” The better angel whispered in my ear, “No, No, No.” The primal angel kept yelling, “YES, YES, YES!” I turned my gaze out the window so that I could not hear “ette.” I watched the grass and barbed wire streak by, but lurking in my peripheral vision was the little brown jewel.
I decided that telling you was my best defense. I decided that if I brought the temptation out into the light of day that I might have some power over it. I’m telling you now, I wanted to eat it, but I did not. I believed that little pile of goodness would make me feel joyful, but I knew that I would be filled with guilt and shame. I need you to know, don’t bring any “donettes” near me. If you see me in the gas station, stand between me and these little demons, try to distract me with a bag of almonds.
What tempts you? Jesus says, “Flee.” I was preparing to take this photo and Steve decided it was time to throw it away. He did not know what I was thinking. He had no idea, that for 50 miles, I had been consumed with thinking about this flour, sugar concoction. I took the photo and he easily threw it away. The bible says,
”Confess your sins one to another,” not so that we might Lord power over each, but to help each other, to be strong for one another, to stand in the gap for others. Tell someone what your kryptonite is and let them give you a hand.