Decades ago, it was very common for mothers to give their children a daily spoonful of castor or cod liver oil because it was believed to keep people in good health. If you have never tasted castor oil, it is the worst fishy tasting substance you can imagine; enough to make you gag or worse!

Children hated the nasty stuff, and would often run and hide in anticipation of the awful taste soon to follow. Yet, doctors kept recommending it, and mother’s continued to spoon it because, despite the objectionable taste, they knew it was good for their family’s health.

Not all things that are good for us come easily or sweetly. For example, within my own life, most of my greatest lessons learned came through adversity. Some of these situations were enough to bring me to tears, or to my knees, a position I probably needed to be in as I called out to God.

Likewise, as much as I dislike going to the doctor to have a mammogram or some of those other procedures that leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed, I realize they are for my own good, and a little discomfort today can save me from potential ill-health or even death tomorrow.

Giving up drunkenness, pill-popping, immoral living, and mean-spiritedness may initially be difficult, but the result will be good health! Mind you, health does not solely encompass our physical body, but we can be spiritually and emotionally unhealthy as well.

Prayer: “Dear God, please give me the strength to turn over a new leaf. Soften my heart and open my eyes so that I may clearly see the error of my ways, and how they are hurting, not helping me. Make me a new creation, God; one who thirsts after all that is good and godly, and rejects all which is evil. This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Contributed by Melanie Schurr editor@MelanieSchurr.com (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr)