Gummy Vitamins

Tonight as I slathered on the cream from a jar that is supposed to keep me from feeling my age and cream from another jar that is supposed to hide my wrinkles, I see two other jars that are filled with “good for me” things.

The other jars don’t offer promises of youth. They are healthy.

The others jars are gummy vitamins! Chewable, gummy vitamins.

When I was in my 20’s and my grandmother was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I was told I needed to take large amounts of calcium. I ordered the bottles. I tried to swallow the horrendously large, stinky pills.

Around the same time, everyone started touting the miracles of Omega 3. We were warned we needed to take our daily dose of this vitamin in order to live a long, healthy life. So I swallowed the large, gel-filled fish oil capsules– then I burped a tuna smell for the next three hours! The “burpless” fish oil pills I paid extra for still had a fishy taste and smell.

Instead of forcing myself to swallow smelly vitamins, most days I didn’t. Even though I knew my good health depended on it.

Then. Then I discovered chewable vitamins! I could take the two vitamins that were the most beneficial for my health in gummy bear form. How awesome!

I am fifty-something years old, slathering anti-50 cream on my face and I’m chowing down on gummy vitamins – like a toddler.

Why does it take the invent of gummy vitamins for me to do what I know is right for me? Why can’t the fact that the vitamins are good for me be enough to cause me to swallow the foul tasting or fishy, burp inducing pills? Why, when I know it is good for me, do I opt for the sugary, fruit flavored pills?

 

The apostle Paul also struggled over 2000 years ago. (Not necessarily in regards to smelly vitamins.)

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right,

but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” Romans 7:15 nlt

I don’t really understand myself either. I want to prevent my bones from becoming brittle but I don’t want to take big, smelly pills.

I want to have strong muscles but I don’t make the time to go to the gym anymore.

I want to eat healthy but I really, really like ice cream… and chips and salsa.

I want to start my day focused on what the Lord wants me focused on but some days I jump right into the day without pausing to read my Bible.

I want to do what is right – and healthy and wise – but I don’t do it.

Thank goodness for gummy vitamins – and a new day full of grace and “try harder moments.” Today, I will chew my gummy vitamins, ride my bike and read the Word. I promise.

Do you struggle like Paul and I? How?