Lessons Learned

Over the past thirty one years, I’ve worked for four successful high tech corporations. One thing they all have in common is a review process called “Lessons Learned” whereby the team who worked on a given project gathers data and meets to discuss what went well and what failed. This is a proven preventative measure to eliminate making the same mistakes again as well as to implement whatever contributed to the success of that product in future endeavors.

I was convicted today during my reading of the Scriptures that I lack such a preventive measure in my personal life. Of course, I was eating lunch at the time and as usual, the Lord used that opportunity knowing it would sink in if He applied it to food (those who can’t relate, please bear with me).

 I have read through countless diets. I have even committed to follow several of them with the best intentions. Yet I am angry when my clothes don’t fit (as some unfortunate individuals who have fallen victim to my ranting in the dressing rooms can attest to). But seriously, who have I to blame but myself? No one else put the fat on my body! No one else force fed me ice cream and potato chips! People who care about me, witnessing my self-destructive behavior have tried to politely correct me with words like: “Mom, you need to eat healthy food. You’ll feel so much better! And take the time to exercise! I’ll even go grocery shopping with you and train you at the gym!” to which I smile and nod. But when will actual change happen? By osmosis? By hearing emphatic suggestions? By having countless diet books on my shelf? By staring intently every morning at the model on Glamour Magazine?  Even going to the gym and “appreciating” those treadmills, agreeing that they are necessary won’t work. Change will never happen until I take the initiative for myself. Action is required. A great place to begin would be a strong detox.

Spiritually speaking, there is much “junk food” to be had. The media provides tabloids, self-help books, and heretical teachings ad nauseam. And then there’s the pure, organic, and perfect Word of God. I could read it every day for the rest of my life. I could even memorize every single word of it (not really, but go with it). But until I put it into practice, I will continue to suffer with anger, resentment, hostility, hopelessness, insecurity, pride, brokenness…. The list goes on. Those things are like spiritual toxic waste. A good daily practice after reading would be a “Lessons Learned” session with the Author Himself! God has graciously given me His Spirit to accomplish things that I cannot on my own. Through Him, detox is possible.

“But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22