Food for Thought~daily Meditations 09-29

[Pony]

Thought for the Day
Saturday, September 29, 2007
You are reading from the book Food for Thought

The Satisfaction of Work

Using our God-given talents and abilities to do the work He assigns us brings deep satisfaction. Many of us used to eat a lot of "idle bread" which we did not need. Now that we are eating less, we find that we derive satisfaction from working more.

Work is an opportunity to give away the gifts we are given. It is sharing which requires effort and discipline. If we do not work up to our maximum level of ability, our satisfaction is reduced. As we give away our gifts, we are given more.

Maintaining abstinence improves the quality of our work and increases our output. Instead of doing just enough to get by, we are challenged to give the best that we have. Abstaining from compulsive overeating can give us the courage and confidence to change jobs when necessary.

When we are emotionally upset, turning to a task, which absorbs us physically or mentally, or both can have a healing effect. Rather than a curse, work can be a blessing, especially when we realize that ultimately we are working with and for our Higher Power.

We give thanks for the satisfaction of work.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

[Nina Kay]

Maintaining abstinence improves the quality of our work and increases our output. Instead of doing just enough to get by, we are challenged to give the best that we have. Abstaining from compulsive overeating can give us the courage and confidence

I really do know that this statement is true from my past personal experiences, but I tend to forget all of the good that comes from abstinence from compulsive overeating when I'm in an active downward spiral of compulsively overeating and binge eating. This whole experience alters my perspective in very negative ways, so that I forget how wonderful it is to be clear-minded and to have the energy, both mentally and physically, to live a more productive life. Thanks for the reminder of how good my life can be while abstinent. It's very encouraging so that I have more of a desire to try again.