Am I on a “Roman Holiday”?

I enjoy classic movies. Something about the simplicity of cinematography and black and white features pre technicolor appeals to me. I recently watched “Roman Holiday”. Audrey Hepburn portrays the beautiful Princess Ann who becomes quite disgruntled with the demands of upholding the required responsibilities and engagements of being an heiress to the throne. 

In an attempt at fulfilling the void of her wonder of whether the grass was greener on the other side of the castle walls, she flew the coup and experienced a frivolous day on the town in Rome. No schedule. No responsibilities. No engagements to attend. Though her conscience heeded several times the need to get back home, temptation succumbed her with each twinge of realization. 

Over the Christmas holiday, my daughter and I found ourselves in the middle of a “Kids Baking Championship” marathon. Midway through an episode of cake baking splendor, I realized that we had sugar cookie dough in the fridge, just resting in loneliness on the shelf waiting to be baked. 

May the record be stricken that I have a bit of a problem with self control in the face of sugar cookies. Sugar is my nemesis. I have come to realize that when I do not manage my sugar intake, it has debilitating effects on my health. I know that it’s not my best choice to engage in any type of activity where consuming mass quantities of sugar is involved. But we rationalize with ourselves so well… When in Rome, right?

I placed the cookies on the cookie sheet, set the timer, and pulled them out of the oven at the perfect time revealing their slightly golden brown edges and soft baked center. They were perfect. I don’t even think I gave them proper time to cool before I began eating one, then two, then another and another…

The nearest weapon to save me from myself was a container of Clorox wipes. I yanked two out of the container, pressed them down on top of the plate of sugar cookies, and crept back slowly with my hands up. 

I heard the warning bells go off in my mind much like Princess Ann. And I negated to listen to them until I was well under temptation’s spell. 

“Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIRV)

I grew tired of the straight and narrow snack regime. I threw caution to the wind and the decision wasn’t without consequence.
 
We are called to be watchful. To be alert. The most beautiful gift is that we don’t have to traverse the multifaceted woes of this world alone. The Holy Spirit, our Helper, Comforter, and Guide dwells within the heart of every believer, strengthening us in our weaknesses.

I don’t know what your ‘sugar cookie’ issue is in life. I have several. Anxiety and fear can be crippling. It doesn’t take long to fall into their grip. A slight deviation of thought here, a rationalization there, and what began as a tiptoe becomes a hastened stride away from obedience to what we know to be His best for us. 

May we be watchful and aware of schemes at work against us. May we have the strength to recognize them with the help of the Spirit and stay the course.