It's a Brand New Me!

In November 2008, I embarked on a journey to lose weight. I have lost 40 pounds so far.

In the process I had to give up a lot of my favorite clothes because they became too big. Some people suggested I save some of those outfits. They had a variety of reasons for this from the money that was invested in those clothes, the thought that maybe I would get them altered to maybe some implication that this weight loss thing would be temporary and I would regain those 40 pounds and need something to wear.

The truth is, I am a brand new me. My weight loss has altered my appearance. Not only is my physical size smaller, and my face has lost most of that double chin I once had and hated, and my inner me has changed, too.

I am more confident, can deal more effectively with stress, and feel much better in every way about myself.

In the same way, I have been given a brand new life from my union with Christ.

Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! *

And one more thing. I know this may sound narcissist, but I love to look at myself in the mirror these days. As I turn and look, I discover how different I look. I look in wonder and happiness when I try on new clothes and discover a pleasing shape or fit.

So it is with my new life in Christ. I love to look at it and enjoy how it has changed me and made me different.

* 1 Cor 5:17 - MSG