A Life That Feels Good…
“Instead of hustling to build a life that looks good, what if you slowed down and cultivated a life that feels good?”
Erica Layne
Although I appreciate this quote, I think it requires some unpacking. Obviously, building a life that only “looks good” is easy to digest. Describing one’s life as “looking” good but building a life that is not objectively “good” reminds me of fake rings. It sparkles until you wear it for a week and then you end up with a finger that looks like gangrene is setting in.
This morning I had a protein smoothie packed with fruits and vegetables. In a sense, it feels good to swig it down. I know it is nutritious and I love a good smoothie. I “feel” good about making a healthy choice to start my day.
But you know what else FEELS good? An egg Mcmuffin. Specifically - a McDonald’s egg Mcmuffin. Last week I chose to eat one of those after an early morning visit to my doctor to draw blood in preparation of my yearly physical. That hot, crunchy muffin with perfectly melted cheese, egg and Canadian bacon was delish. I LOVED it and it FELT like a little slice of heaven sliding past my lips and into my tummy. This is a once in every five years or so food choice for me. It is not a deadly sin but it is also not the most healthy food choice a human can make.
So we have to beware, don’t we? We have to be careful about how we evaluate “good”. I appreciate Erica’s advice. Slow down. Cultivate a life that is good and feels good. I continue to find satisfaction in my protein smoothies so long as I slow down and pay attention to what really feels good. It feels good to fit into my britches. It feels good to be able to run down the street with my grandchildren. It feels good to have stamina for long days and the occasional short night. It feels good to slow down and figure out how best to take care of the only body my soul has to reside in.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
