Friday, April 8, 2016

Ripple Effect

I'm sure that everyone knows what the "ripple effect" is, but just in case, I'll explain it a little bit.

When you toss a pebble into a pond, there's the initial point of contact, but once the stone hits the water, there are ripples, almost like rings, that go out from the center point.  What you did by throwing the stone now has a bigger effect on the water.  

And so today I'm talking about the ripple effect that my health has on my family, and one POSITIVE effect that has taken place in our house.

My eating habits do not affect me alone.  No, sadly, with ANY addiction, whether it be drugs or alcohol, gambling or pornography, the choices of the addict affect EVERYONE that is in their lives.  And such is the case with my eating.  When I shop for groceries, since I am the only one that does that, my choices of what comes into the house greatly affect those that will be consuming this food that has been purchased.  

Enter my young son, who has a predisposition just like me to struggle with weight issues.  And one day I wake up to realize that he's rapidly gaining weight.
(Me and Clayton on his 12th birthday)

I knew I didn't want this life for my child, but I had not had that crisis experience yet.  And so we continued to eat out of control.  And he, and I, grew.

(Age 13)
(Age 14)
(Age 15)

And then I went to the doctor and had that "Come to Jesus" moment when I realized that I was headed straight for diabetes and kidney failure, heart attack and stroke if I didn't turn around!  
And my older son entered the military and challenged us to get fit while he was gone.  And we began the journey together as a family.  And changes started happening.

(Age 16, at his brother's graduation)

(after he got his license and was headed to prom)

(celebrating his 17th at the shooting range with dad and bro)

(fitting into a size medium shirt!)

(Celebrating Easter together)

My encouragement to you today is this: you CAN change the course.  You CAN make the ripple effects POSITIVE.  What you DO in front of your kids is MORE important that what you say.  That old adage says, "Actions speak louder than words."  
I can tell my son to exercise and eat right because it's good for you, but if I'm saying that while eating a pan of brownies, is that effective?  
Or I can say, "Let's go to the gym together!" and change both HIS life AND mine!

I'm so thankful for how God has given me a chance to reverse the ripple effect.