Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.
-Philippians 3:19

Meet Veruca, the monster that lives in my stomach.

Veruca Fat, to be more precise. I named her after Veruca Salt from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She was spoiled rotten and is famous for her “I want it now” tantrums.

My Veruca’s last name is “fat” instead of “salt”, because that’s what she demands on a regular basis: Cheese fries, Nachos, Burgers, that kind of stuff. She’s insatiable. She likes sugar, too.

I’ve tried so many diets. Met with nutritionists. Cringed every time I step on a scale at the doctor’s office. Even tried a couch to 5k program. I’ve lost 30 pounds twice, but nothing seems to exorcise her.

Paul’s warning in Philippians is not just about cheese fries. It’s the problem of always choosing ‘now’ over ‘later.’ When you rely too much on earthly pleasure, on immediate gratification, it’s eventually going to weigh you down.

Elsewhere, he says: “…let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) So true. Part of my problem is that I give up on long-term effects of diet and exercise. Forget this waiting for the harvest business, I’m going to Taco Bell.

I wonder, do you have a Veruca? If you do, what is her last name? Veruca beer? Veruca tik tok? Veruca QVC? The original Veruca didn’t want Salt, she wanted everything, all the time.

Veruca is part of me. It would be wrong to blame an unhealthy appetite on a monster, or “the devil made me do it”. No, she’s part of me that learned to seek comfort in the wrong places.

And so, instead of trying to ignore Veruca or battle her, I’ve decided I’m going to help her.

I’m going to help her grow up. I’m going to treat her like an impetuous child that needs some tough love. It won’t be easy, but maybe together she and I can reframe food as the gift from God that it is.

First step? I’m gonna start doing something I never do (even though I’ve encouraged others to). I’m going to start saying Grace before I eat. Just silently, to myself. No big production number.

Just a gentle reminder, for Veruca and me,

that we wouldn’t trade God…

for all the chocolate in the world.

Have a great week,

Mitch