by Shawn Maassel
Wellness Blog
My husband and I recently decided to renovate our master bath. We are pretty content people so have lived too long with a bathroom that is dated, a tub that is unsightly (and unused,) and a vanity counter that is sagging. It really is a mess. After 26 years this little area will be refreshed.
But, as I spoke with Steve, from our renovation team, the update will involve some ‘behind the scenes’ repairs. Some new plumbing connections, electrical wiring, and maybe duct work need to happen before the fresh shower insert, vanity, cabinetry, and hardware can be installed.
Maybe you could use a ‘facelift’ as Steve called my bathroom reno. Not too involved, but necessary. And not just a surface job, but one that repairs what’s underneath too. I know I can.
A couple weeks into the new year I was feeling out of sorts. The kids and grandkids had left. But all the extra snacks and goodies had not. I didn’t have any specific deadlines, yet daily saw the Christmas tree and other décor that could be taken down and stored. I was just unmotivated and physically not making the healthiest of choices.
Then I was offered an opportunity to lead a First Place 4 Health ‘Three Weeks to a Healthier You’ group. “Sure,” I thought. “I’ve led similar studies before. I’m just the leader. It’s not like I’ll have to be accountable as a participant.” Or so I thought.
Week #1 seemed to bless the group, but I personally made no real changes. Online I looked like I had it together but still continued in my unhealthy patterns. But during this mini-session, I was included in a support meeting for group leaders. Many of them said that they hold themselves accountable to their groups. They share their trackers (daily food, drink, exercise and Bible study activity) with their groups, just as they ask their members to do.
So, I felt convicted to share my tracker with my group and Week #2 offered me a ‘facelift’. The deeper work of holding myself accountable to my group provided some much needed ‘behind the scenes’ repair. This simple reset interrupted weeks of poor choices. Once again, I experienced peace each morning as I recalled the mindful choices I had made the previous day.
Each day we have a fresh chance to recommit our ways to the Lord. He gladly hears our confessions and forgives our sins. Through Jesus’ blood and by the Holy Spirit’s continued sanctifying work, we are renewed and can have a facelift. God even gives us accountability tools in friendships, groups, or even coaches to give us that reset we need and move us into the deeper work of a full renovation. So, if a facelift is what you need, check in with the Lord, and pray for someone with whom you can bravely and honestly share your daily choices. Let the ‘behind the scenes’ work begin!
James 5:16a ‘Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.’
Shawn Maassel is a retired church worker, having served First Lutheran Church & Little Lambs Preschool (Huntingtown, MD) for 25 years. She continues volunteering at FLC & LLPS, leads fitness classes for Body & Soul Fitness® and Bible studies with First Place 4 Health. She enjoys time with her husband and traveling to visit their long-distance children and grandsons. Follow her other blogs and posts at: inhiscourts.com and on YouTube.