At the beginning of the year - the pastor and leadership of our church encouraged us to pray (about everything) and fast (something) for the first 21 days of January. On the first Sunday of 2025 - Pastor Adam began a sermon series called “Pray First”! What would my life look like if I did that? How would it be different? How would my responses be? What would my conversations be like? Different? The same? Prayer should be our first response not our last one!

Pastor Adam talked about firsts. The principle of the firsts!

God must be first - the centre of my life. He spoke about making this principle a reality - this year - this month - this week - this day - God first.

At the end of his message that morning - Pastor Adam - used this illustration!

Choose a different street.

#1. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out.

#2. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in this same place. But it isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

#3. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I fall in...it's a habit...but my eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

#4. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. (Here it comes!)

#5. I walk down a different street.

That morning I decided to - choose a different street - regarding two things. The first one was easier for me - I had done it before but I would choose it again. I would fast sugar for 21 days. The second choice was harder - I would fast from complaining for 21 days.

It was Hannah Whitall Smith who said - “the soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything - while the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing!”

A 2009 study on habit creation found that habits develop in a range of 21 to 254 days! There is also something called the 21/90 rule that states it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days to make it a permanent lifestyle change. I’ll get back to you on whether my new habits take hold after the 21 days are up!

Giving up added sugar for 21 days was not too difficult for me. I know it’s challenging to cook and bake with ingredients that don’t involve sugar but it can be done. Maple syrup is a great alternative. Sometimes those attempts flop. Sometimes I’m surprised how yummy the outcome is. Giving up sugar has also reduced the inflammation in my thumbs where I have arthritis. That’s a good thing. And it’s interesting that after the first three or four or five days - I didn’t crave sweet things. Even here at the most glorious - beautiful resort in Antigua - I don’t crave the desserts.

Be careful what comes out of your mouth.

Complaining! Now that’s a different kettle of fish.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing” - said the great missionary - Paul.

Complaints come easily! The weather. Crazy drivers. Family members. Aches and pains. Politicians. The Leafs. The refs! You name it - people complain about it. I complain about it.

It takes grace and prayer and discipline to not complain. Sometimes one doesn’t feel like it. It’s tiring. It difficult. Do it anyway.

Because of our pastor’s challenge I’ve been super conscious about not complaining………. by……being grateful……. (replacing bitterness)……..being mindful……..(replacing a quick answer or thought with a non-judgmental one)……..reflecting……(rather than haste)……….meditation and prayer…….(praying first really helps)…….telling my husband and sisters about my fast from complaining……(there is accountability here)…….focusing on joy! This habit is definitely taking more time to achieve. It’s easy to slip back. I’ll keep striving forward.

I’m walking down a different street.