Higher Desire

Yesterday I slept in and didn't walk. I chose to not get up. I feel so much better when I DO get out the door and that motivates me on days like to day when it was especially difficult.

It is a CHOICE to walk each morning. And every morning, I do actually have to make that CHOICE. It is often a daily struggle as my flesh wants to be comfortable and warm and cozy in my bed in the morning! I wonder if it will get easier...I think so as I do it over and over. Besides, the reason it is difficult, is because I've stayed in bed over and over and over...it is the habit and it must be broken. Maybe at some point, walking will be the habit and it will get easier.

So what to do?

1-I WANT to stay in bed and when I'm there, I can think of many reasons to stay in bed.
2-I WANT to walk because there are so many benefits, not the least of which is the Lord has told me to walk every morning.

So...what motivates me to actually RISE and get dressed and put on socks and shoes and jacket and iPod and go outside when I never did this in the past?

My  H I G H E R  DESIRE is to walk. That is the desire that has more value to me.

Does that mean my fleshy, self-centered nature WANTS that higher desire? NO! It never does. My natural tendency is to STAY IN BED. So I often have to talk to myself about this higher desire and go through a quick list of benefits while I'm still snuggled and waking up. It has really helped me.

I want to obey.
I want to lose weight.
I want to feel better.
I enjoy the peace of mind I get when I obey the Lord (He told me to walk).
I want to breathe fresh air.
I want to listen to my worship songs.
I want to see the weather outside (curiosity)!
I want to take the opportunity (I must walk before my husband leaves because I don't leave my children home alone yet).

These are some things I remind myself of...but in the moment, IT IS A CHOICE. I do have to take the action of CHOOSING which desire I will fuel. Today was a wonderful choice...I walked!