progress

I think I shall begin the quotes challenge with one from a man who has left, in my opinion, an indelible mark upon the world with his work: Clive Staples Lewis – author, broadcaster, scholar, and apologist.

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” C. S. Lewis

We are a hard-headed lot, the human race in general. Can you count the times we, individually or collectively, have ranted about change, progress, bettering ourselves/society, etcetera? I’d hazard to say “No” to that. How about the number of times, after making said statements, we actually do something toward furthering or fulfilling the goal, making progress? Again, probably not accurately; but I’ll bet it’s a much lower number.

It seems that our pride always gets in the way of actually accomplishing much of anything, especially if “we” start off on the wrong track in getting there, as Lewis alludes to in the quote above. Too often, I’ll say for me, as only “you” can answer for “you”, we jump in, speak up, or leap completely out without introspection on just what, exactly, it’s going to take to see an idea, project, what-have-you, through. And in today’s culture I know it’s all too often done without seeking guidance from God, which in my heart is essential to receive in order to move forward, progress, in a right, godly way, a way that He will bless and prosper. Seeking God’s will first is where we must start if we really want progress in anything.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3-6‬ ESV)

Well, despite my worry, my appointment went great today! And I am doing a lot more than my medical team is used to seeing; they were really impressed with my research, logged information (diet, BG, exercise, etcetera) and especially the changes I’ve made and progress I’ve made.

My initial A1C two months ago was 14.3 (I’m a little foggy on that but it’s close); today it was – after only 60 days – 6.5!! I was really hoping to be 7 or less and I made it. I’ve “officially” by their scales lost 13 pounds, too; mine says 15 lol. And that’s intentional weight loss, unlike the 40-ish pounds I lost previously because of uncontrolled diabetes. They were very impressed how I researched the meds, looked at my own charts and data and realized Glyburide was a problem for me, not a help. And they seemed pretty amazed when I expla Alan_S and Jenny’s “test, test, test” concept to keep my BG in check all the time, or as much as I’ve been able so far; I test mostly 1 and 2 hours after meals to see how foods and things are working with my body and medicines, not, now, being as concerned with what the pre-meal number is.

My FBG has been a little high I thought since I eliminated the Glyburide; it’s usually 90-101. But she thought that was excellent. In fact, she thought my body has begun to heal and right itself remarkably well. Not to minimize my effort, having great resources to learn from and a loving, supportive family has been huge in this, but ultimately the success comes from the Designer of this body; without God’s help I’d be a worse mess than I am – in many ways!

So I reckon my anxiety was all for naught- and I’m sure glad if that! I go back for total blood panel, A1C, and a new-to-me test 24-hour protein right before Christmas. That ought to help motivate me to stay strong during the holidays!