Prominently displayed on the corner of my desk, sits a rather large, clear glass candy jar.  Now, this isn’t your typical office candy jar filled with peppermints and other hard candies.  Oh no…this jar is filled with the really good stuff!  It’s filled with CHOCOLATE…Milky Ways, Mr. Goodbars, Kit Kats, Snickers, 3 Musketeers and, well, I think you have the picture now. Just imagine a CLEAR glass candy jar in my full view all day long…every day!  Talk about learning restraint or, should I say, TRYING to learn the art of restraint!  I must admit that it gets to be a battle of the will (or bulge) most days, with that 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm afternoon slump hitting hard some days. 

As I mentioned, this is a rather large candy jar and did I tell you that it is FILLED with CHOCOLATE?!!  Have you ever noticed how the makers of these candies make sure they are packaged or wrapped ever so nicely, in a way to be sure to catch our attention?  Many of them are brightly colored…Kit Kat bars are decked out in bright red, Mr. Goodbar is dressed in “look at me” yellow and the 3 Musketeers are outfitted in shiny silver with a splash of red!  What IS a girl to do with these good looking characters peeking out at her all day?!  I just know I’ve heard them calling my name at times. And I feel certain that I’ve heard them tapping on the glass jar, calling out…  ”Look at ME”, “Choose ME…choose ME! “ I’m the sweetest”…”I’m a little bit nutty, and oh so much fun”…”I’m dark, handsome and good for you…choose ME!” 

Oh! And did I mention that I recently signed up for “The Biggest Loser” Challenge that is going on in my office? Picture this with me for a second now…This CLEAR candy jar, full of chocolate (they are minis, thank goodness), but…chocolate, sits there beckoning me every day.  I’ve made the commitment to this challenge, in hopes of possibly winning the Grand Prize but most of all working to improve myself and just feel better about myself, as a result.  I suppose I can look at this jar full of “charmers” as a character builder, but honestly, some days, I think it is “building” a lot more than character, if you know what I mean.  None the less…I know what I have GOT to do and that is to…STAND FIRM.  I need to stay true to my commitment.  I need to say no to these “charmers” no matter how hard they “strive” to win me over.   

When I stop and think about it, I realize that this really represents life, in general.  I mean, I am “charmed” every day by things, big and small (like mini chocolate bars), that come at me from every side and it is so easy to fall under their spell, so to speak. I know that many of these choices can have a negative influence on my life and possibly keep me from being everything that God wants me to be.  God wants the very best for us and is always available to guide in all our decisions and choices, and will provide a way for us to stand firm, if we will take the time to stop and listen to His voice.  He cares about the big things in our lives but He also cares intensely about the smallest of the small as well. One of my many prayers these days is…”Lord, please help me to resist Mr. Goodbar and his sweet, nutty ways, and help me say no to those dashing 3 Musketeers, as well.”  ~  I truly believe that God has a sense of humor…and these days…I am really thankful!  

Debbie Pedigo

March 21, 2014

1 Corinthians 10:13