Day 85- An Energy First

This morning I was in Pensacola to pray with a church member having surgery. Surgery went well I am happy to report.  Afterwards, I went to a bookstore to work on some thoughts for church tonight.  I spent a delightful time studying God's word and even had a few minutes to peruse some books.  I started home in the afternoon and was feeling a bit droopy.  I usually get a latte to drink on the way home, but this being a year of "firsts" I decided to do something different.  But, what to do?  I went to get some gas and decided I would get me one of those energy drinks. I've wondered about those and been hesitant to drink them. They just seem and sound a bit unhealthy. I drank an energy drink for my "first" today.

The weird thing is that most of the people I see drinking these drinks are young people (teens and twenties) and they are sitting around talking.  If they need energy at that age to sit around and talk they are in trouble come middle age. It seems that this would be something my Dad would have needed when he was plowing a mule years ago.  We need energy to sit around a coffee shop???  Give me a break.

Yet, I thought I would try it out.  I went to the drink case and there are a lot of energy drinks.  Wow, how do you choose between bulls, amps, and monsters?  Then you have sugar free and tons of sugar to choose from.  There was even a camouflage one.  I don't need energy to sit in a deer stand.  I need something to relax me so I don't move around.

I decide if I'm going to go, let's go big.  I first thought the green monster energy drink was the one to go with for a "first."  I was reminded of the Incredible Hulk.  The visual was kind of cool.  Then, I saw where the orange can monster energy drink actually had fruit juices and B vitamins.  At least there is a pretense of something healthy here if not something actually healthy.  I bought a can and headed home.  The taste was OK.  It was better than I feared.  It actually has a better aftertaste than the latte would have had.  I was not actually overwhelmed with energy. I did not feel like getting out and pushing the car home.  Honestly, I did perk up a bit.  I started listening to a podcast and was able to listen to it most of the way home before I started getting droopy again. The fear I had was that I would crash when the energy ran out.  I really didn't.  It may have helped that we ate supper and went to church shortly after I came home.

 

 

Me before energy drink

Me after energy drink

Here's what I'm left thinking tonight.  There are probably healthier ways to boost my energy.  I did see some bananas at the store and eating one of those with water might have been a better alternative.  Of course, there is no substitute for getting the proper amount of sleep.  Studies are showing more and more that the lack of proper sleep can be a major factor in the loss of cognitive functions.  Exercising is also a good way to boost energy.  At least, that's what I'm told. It makes me tired.

I've also found that doing something faith stretching or loving will wake me up.  Calling someone and offering to pray for them gives me a jolt.  Sending someone a Bible verse in a text can pick me up.  Thinking up something to do to surprise my family can get my motor running again. At the daily level, my motivation for the day needs to come from God's love.  The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died."  That should be energizing. When I realize that I'm deeply loved by Almighty God and have the glorious privilege of offering His love to others, I'm energized.  So, I'm not too sure about the energy drinks, especially for those under 15. My kids don't sleep well enough at night to get near one.  I am positive that experiencing God's love and seeing others experiencing God's love is energizing!!

Energized for the abundant life
Barry

3 things I thank God for today
1. I am not in hell
2. The privilege of offering God's love to others
3. biblegateway.com