My husband and I have gone on Saturday morning breakfast dates for over a decade. Over that time we’ve explored just about every restaurant option in our area. So in search of a new adventure, we decided to try the all-you-can-eat buffet that had previously been on our do-not-ever-eat list.
We pulled into the already full parking lot and opened the door to the smell of hot grease, sugar, and more carbs than any person should have in a lifetime. We could have chocolate-covered-anything for breakfast. Fried whatever-you-can-dream-up for breakfast. An entire baked goods factory for breakfast.
I tried to keep my head down, avoid temptation, and create a modest plate of acceptable options. But somehow I felt guilty for skipping so much of what was available. Although it was only 8:00 in the morning, I still imagined people were staring disdainfully at me for bypassing the ice cream bar — complete with a row of toppings.
I thought: This is what our world feels like today. There is an endless buffet of options for all of us all the time. We can fill our days with almost anything we’d like. We can binge on television and movies. Dig into social media. Pile on the commitments and committees.
But just because we can have it all doesn’t mean we should. And here’s what I realized: Even if I had just stuck to the “good” options, putting everything possible on my plate still would have been too much. Our choices in life aren’t just about quality; they’re also about quantity.
And that’s where we as women seem to get tripped up most often. We generally know not to pick the fried-twinkies-covered-in-chocolate-lard. But when it comes to the rest, we can believe God expects us to take on everything that’s in front of us. We can even feel irresponsible, ungrateful, or downright guilty if we pass up a perfectly nice opportunity — especially a spiritual one.
As I sat down at our table, I noticed a little chart showing how to create a healthy meal. Clearly most patrons were ignoring the advice (and it was probably just a public image stunt for the restaurant) but in the middle of the madness there was suddenly a little voice saying, “Use discernment. Choose wisely. Remember the big picture.”
I think that’s what God says to us as well. He reminds us, “You don’t need to consume everything your culture offers. And you actually can have too much of a good thing. I’m not asking you to take on whatever is in front of you. I’m asking you to make the most of what I have prepared especially for your life.”
If we’ve been feeling overwhelmed and like our days are overstuffed maybe it’s time to pause and ask, “What’s on my plate that doesn’t belong? And what have I taken more of than God ever intended?”
When we make intentional choices and then stop when we’re “full” we’re not being wasteful — we’re being purposeful.
My husband and I finished our breakfast and then walked out the door. “Never again,” we both said with a laugh. We were ready to return to smaller, simpler meals (even if they didn’t have the undeniable excitement of a hot fudge fountain). It turns out there’s a big difference between everything we can have and what we truly want.
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Holley,
What a great analogy, comparing what the world has to offer to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Also a good reminder that every “spiritual” opportunity may not be meant for us. Maybe it’s meant for someone else’s good and by taking on too much, we are actually robbing someone else of an opportunity to serve?! Even things I know are meant for me, I have the propensity to od on it sometimes. Sometimes I/we need to take a step back and not “do”, but just “be” still in His presence.
Blessings,
Bev
Yes, indeed. It’s as if we have no idea what moderation is. The Spirit is our Holy Moderator. He tells us if something or someone is a no for us, or if we need to stop even before ANYTHING gets started.
Sometimes, we aren’t even meant to partake. It’s WAY EASIER to stop at the beginning than it is to have to struggle through the mess of Regret and Remorse.
Really enjoyed this Holley. We have everything we want at our fingertips, good and bad. It’s up to us to make the best choice, even when it means saying “no” to something good. Looking at the big pictures helps me make the “best” choice. Have a wonderful day Holley.
So glad you shared this- there is so much that we can constantly be taking in. It is so wise to step back. I know personally I can get so busy and lose sight of what is truly important. Thanks for this encouragement!
Holley,
Superb post!! Loved the analogy!! This world is like an all-you -can -eat buffet. I find that too much “worldliness” is bad for me. I also don’t do all the “Christian/Godly activities either. I try to balance out life and make personal time for God!! That helps keep me in balance!!
Blessings:) Have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you for your excellent analogy, Holley! What a beautifully written post, and a timely reminder as the new year is laid before us, to wisely consider what we allow on our plates, and what is better kept off for this season of our lives.
God bless you as you serve Him so faithfully, and encourage others to do the same!
Wow! What a wonderful thought! I think for me it is about trusting God and believing that He can actually lead me in the way He wants me to go.