Empty Calories

After a ridiculous start to our weekend (a car breakdown and a break in our waterline under the house), we finally whisked ourselves away from the homestead and celebrated Halloween by going to a movie, a tradition we started several years ago.

No, we didn’t go to an AMC like the picture above suggests — we went to a Cinemark (our favorite theater, by the way). But we did, however, partake in movie snacks. For us, that’s just part of the fun of going to the movies. Plus it helps keep Don awake :)

We ate lunch on the run because of all the earlier insanity, and by the time we made it to the late afternoon showing of Amelia, we barely made it through the previews before digging into our popcorn. Of course, I had to have some Peanut M&Ms to add some chocolate to the whole affair, but notice how I went the healthy route by eating the peanut variety :)

Since this was our supper, we ate quite a lot — got the popcorn and drink with refills. Not the most nutritious meal but fun to do every now and then. At least at first. After some speed shopping after the movie, I realized I was still hungry as we began our drive back home. The junk food just hadn’t satisfied.

So what did we do? Stop and get something healthy, something that would stick to our ribs? No, we were running late and wanted something quick. We stopped at Braum’s for chocolate shakes. No, I’m not kidding. I hate to admit it, but it’s true.

By the time we got home over an hour later, I felt — how shall I say it? — yucky. I had the jitters from all the sugar and chocolate, plus my stomach felt gross, but at the same time, still kind of hungry. All those empty calories had not met the need. After a short while, I was hungry for more.

Sometimes we do the same thing where our spirits are concerned. Our spirits get hungry and thirsty for something that will fill our need, something that will satisfy, but instead we fill them with things that just bring a temporary lift — shopping, food, relationships, recreation, alcohol or whatever our drug of choice. The list goes on. Call them empty calories that leave us hungry for more.

Many of these temporary lifts are good and meant to be enjoyed in moderation, but only one thing will satisfy that deepest part of us — a relationship with Jesus. He said, “‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.'” (John 6:35)

Let’s turn to Him and His Word when our spirits are hungry and thirsty. Let’s go to the One who satisfies. What He gives will fill our need. No empty calories from Him.

Flickr photo by naydeeyah, Creative Commons License

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Comments

  1. Great analogy Cheryl. Love your post!

  2. Thanks for sharing with us Cheryl.

    You said it all right here:

    “Let’s turn to Him and His Word when our spirits are hungry and thirsty. Let’s go to the One who satisfies. What He gives will fill our need. No empty calories from Him.”

    Love and blessings!

  3. I love going to the movies! And sadly I love the popcorn and goodies there too!

  4. How was the movie? I LOVE to see films on the big screen and that one looked pretty good.

    Terrific analogy! We can snack, but nothing satisfies like the Bread of Life.

    How are the wedding plans coming?

  5. Thanks to all you gals who have chimed in. Kelli asked about the movie Amelia. I always like movies that have some history to them so we enjoyed this one. It wasn’t what I’d call an incredible or great movie but was enjoyable.

    Also, Kelli, a bit of an update on the wedding planning. I’ll repeat myself from a couple of weeks ago with a few changes as things have progressed:

    Things are shaping up a little at a time. Kind of challenging working around Kelli’s work schedule and traveling over there every so often to try to check places out, etc.

    So far we have the church and reception site nailed down and the photographer, caterer, cake designer, and the florist booked. Still working on the cake and a few other things. A couple of weeks ago we got Kelli’s dress ordered but still need to find her veil, shoes, and bridal jewelry.

    We still need to find a videographer so may try to do that soon but wait until after Christmas to think about bridesmaids dresses, decorations, invitations, etc. Goodness, we’ve got to make time to Christmas shop and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! :) Thanks for asking!

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