So, I went to church tonight and saw a friend of mine.  I love her, she’s so genuine, and a real encouragement to me, but lately she’s been discouraged.  I understand the cause well.  Over a year ago, she lost a good deal of weight with a group of “biggest losers” that met every week, and was on top of the world, feeling energized and healthy.  I remember going to a Zumba class and working hard to keep up with her (and laughing the whole time at my extreme lack of coordination).  She was a major inspiration for my losing weight as part of the same group.  But, you know how it is.  During your strong time, you are inspired and can’t imagine ever struggling with the issue again.  Over time, though, inspiration and energy wane, and the struggle returns.  Lately, some of her weight has crept back on, and she is battling.  She’s not alone; I’ve had a similar experience.  What struck me is that her current despair is such a marked contrast to the positive, energetic individual that lost the weight, and the difference can’t be accounted for by a few pounds.  Why is it that we move our whole psyche into that small area that isn’t what we would wish it to be and despair?  I can’t say how many times I’ve found myself upset and depressed when I have so much to be thankful for.  Our hunger is not always tied to the physical; we can have a banquet of blessings but see nothing but an empty table.

This is not the end of the story.  We all have our hungry times, but I’m confident she will find her mojo again.    What is right in our lives far outweighs (forgive the pun) what is not. The real challenge is taking a chair at the place of plenty and eating our fill, rather than relegating ourselves to our empty corners.  Hang in there sister; I’m right there with you.