I am participating in a 21 day, no junk food challenge with some friends (no sweets, chips, white bread, etc.). Today is day seven, and I have been strong up to this point. I put away the Golden Oreos, rearranged the Lindor Chocolate Truffles, and passed on making Rice Krispies Treats with a strong determination to replace those sweets with fresh fruits and vegetables. I snubbed temptation when warm Olive Garden breadsticks were sitting on the table right next to my hand. And for six days, I sailed through every obstacle.

But today? Today was my first true test of will power – hot, chocolate pudding and ice cream. It is one of the occasional dairy items I consume, knowing I will pay the price later with a painful gut.

My students made the pudding in cooking class. Watching the warm, chocolate glob melt the creamy whiteness as I dished it out drove me crazy! Then, I set about washing the dishes (out of time for students to do the washing). Alone in the kitchen holding the spoon, I visualized how it would feel in my mouth and taste on my tongue. I thought, “Will eating this and cheating a little on the challenge bring disaster?” Of course not! I mean, pudding is not inherently evil; a small lick or spoonful is not going to ruin my life. God created chocolate and wants us to enjoy His creation, right? Besides, no one was looking. Who would ever know?

But here is the reason I stayed strong and put hot, soapy water in the pot and rinsed the spoon. I made a commitment. I promised to stay true to this challenge for 21 days, no licks or bites involved. And even though I was alone in the kitchen in that moment, later my daily status update would have to ring true. So, I turned my focus from chocolate pudding and thanked God for creating wonderful foods that are useful for our bodies, like blackberries, walnuts, and avocados.

Lesson learned on day seven: yearn for the Creator, not the creation.