Yesterday we shared a birthday brunch (my daughter and I did) because we cannot be together when the day arrives later this week.  We drove downtown, parked on the street and walked to Betsy’s Crepes.  The crowd was large, as expected, for this jewel of a place was a favorite for so many.  As I waited with those gathered on the sidewalk, my daughter stepped inside to add our name to the wait list, but we did not need to wait long because the waitress showed us to our seat—curbside.  As we sat down and began to scan our menus, I asked:  “How did we get a table so quickly,” to which my daughter replied, “The waitress asked if we wanted to sit outside, and I said I would rather eat inside, but the one with me would love the outside table.”  Smiling, I settled into my patio table seat and looked at the menu options.  There were so many tasty choices.

• I am not on a diet, but diets are no fun.
• I am one who doesn’t really live for desserts, but for sure, it’s a struggle to push away food when all you really want to do is eat more.

My struggle comes with the main course:  a second helping of mashed potatoes, an extra scoop of macaroni and cheese, or another dinner roll, even when I have already consumed three.  As we placed our orders, we chatted about her life and mine, catching up, just the two of us.  It was so lovely to be there with my daughter, talking.

Today, as I reflect on our “birthday brunch,” my thoughts turn to Father God.

• Do we ever sit at His table, sharing time with Him, sharing my life and speaking of my concerns?
• Do we pull up our seat, sitting with Him, talking, just the two of us?
• Do we discipline our bodies, taking in daily nourishment from God’s Holy Word?
• Do we labor to keep our bodies fit but neglect the health of our soul?

It will be so lovely to be present with our Father, talking, learning, and growing as He teaches and guides our steps.

The apostle Paul mentored a young preacher named Timothy, instructing him how to become a disciplined minister.  In teaching Timothy about the falling away from the faith in the last days before Jesus comes, Paul wrote about the importance of godly fitness over bodily fitness.

Our bodies are built for movement, and we remain healthy when we make exercise a necessary part of each day.  In similar fashion, our girth stays controlled as we push away from the table, not reaching for seconds or sugary desserts.  Is this not also true when we exercise our faith, sharing the love of Jesus as we walk through each day?  Furthermore, is this not also trustworthy as we consider our daily intake of God’s Word?

• May we become disciplined followers of Jesus &
• May we become hungry to see souls saved by our Savior.