Carol's Corner

Have you ever had a makeover? Did you have a change of hairstyle or colour, or maybe some wardrobe updates? A few years ago I knew I needed a lifestyle makeover – a time to change my behaviours with my eating and getting more active. My asthma had been under control for at least two years which meant I should be more active to strengthen my lungs and yet giving myself the push I needed had not seemed to work. I shared with two friends from church that I needed to make these changes for the good of my health. I had to start looking after myself so I could be ready to help others and have energy for tasks God put in my path.

The fear of sharing with someone else kept others from knowing how to pray for and encourage me. To my surprise both of these friends had decided they also needed to make changes – do a makeover for their physical well being. We began an accountability group. Each week we shared a devotional time together, let each other know our goals so they could ask the right questions and finally, were completely honest with each other about our weight, our struggles and our successes. For me that portion had been the most intimidating part and yet it turned out to be the push I needed to begin a new journey.

I had to check my insecurities at the door, open up and allow God to work in my life through these two ladies. I wish I could tell you I succeeded in reaching my ultimate goal but I allowed pain and life events to derail me. I forgot to take the tough stuff to God. I gave up and the person who got hurt was me.

Now, almost four years later these two friends and a few others are all in a season where we desire to keep each other encouraged and accountable. We have embarked on another makeover for our physical well being but also include a Bible study time to refresh our spiritual lives. The Bible verse tells us that iron sharpens iron.

I knew I needed to make some changes in my eating habits and activity levels now that my asthma had once again settled down. I procrastinated for a few months and now stepped up and admitted how I felt like a failure. My friends assured me that failure did not have to be the end, nor did I need to remain stuck in such a place. God is able to take my messes, my failures and turn them around if I only give them to Him.

Makeovers for my hair or my wardrobe can be fun. A physical, lifestyle makeover is hard work. I am grateful for each person God has put into my life to encourage me, keep me accountable and pray for me. I need to do the same for them.

What make over are you working on? Do you have a friend or group of friends that walks the journey with you, encourages you and gives you that proverbial kick in the butt when you need it? Take time to share the goals you are making for this season of your life with a trusted friend and let them keep you accountable. Happy journey in whatever makeover you are engaged in. Today really is the first day of the rest of your life.