Failure is a lousy feeling no matter when it happens.  In the Boy Scouts of America we are trained to create an environment where the boys can fail safely.  It is much better to fail in a practice scenario or one that has minimal stakes than it is to fail in a high stakes situation. 

I failed!  It’s ok.

This past fast Sunday I was determined to practice self control using what I’ve been taught about fasting.  I was going to come up with interventions and little things that I could implement in more important scenarios.  I’ve never had a real difficulty fasting and I thought it would be a safe place for me to develop new skills and abilities.   Each time the thought crossed my mind that I was hungry I was going to take the time to analyze it and practice self control. 

What really happened was that I ignored it as I always do.  I didn’t get introspective or come up with a cool intervention.  When my body said, “I’m hungry”  I said, “So, what.”  That was it.  Even once I caught myself and thought now I should take the time to evaluate this moment, but then I convinced myself that it would take too much time and effort.  WHAT?  Yeah… I failed at practicing.

However, as I learned recently, there’s no such thing as a bad day, only good data.  This is good data.  Apparently, I need to work on my practice.  Good thing for me there’s a regular fasting practice every month, and more if I want.  I’ll do better at the next practice.

Are there any other ways that you practice calling on God to assist you in gaining self control?

Posted in Fighting Sin
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