Sin and Pumpkin Pie

So, recently, I've been on a "getting fit" kick.  Missionaries, at least in our mission, do a "six months to slim" program for their last six months.  I got on board as well.  It's nothing too specific, just eat better, exercise more, and in general, be healthier.  Something I have adopted as my mantra is the phrase, "A minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips."  Cheesy, I know, but very effective.  I first heard this as I was chowing on some candied yams, I immediately put down my fork.  Anyway, I have been thinking about the universality of that phrase, and how it can actually pertain to our spiritual well-being as well as our physical fitness.  More specifically, it got me thinking about how we need to keep our spirits "fit" in much the same way as we do our bodies.

So, as human beings, we need to eat in order to nourish our bodies.  You and I both know that some things you eat are good for you, and other things are DELICIOUS bad for you.  In the same vein, our spirits are always taking in spiritual food, every waking moment.  Some things that our spirits take in are good for our spirits, and other things are bad.

Tide Pen Repentance

The Tide Pen, savior of every
white shirt to go on a mission.

  I think this is an analogy that every single missionary who is familiar with Tide pens has made at some point in his or her mission.  For those of you reading this blog who have never used a Tide pen, and are wondering what in the world I'm talking about, I'll explain.  A Tide pen is a magical tool that uses a special cleaning solution to remove stains instantly from clothing.  It's incredibly useful.  See, sometimes, when you're eating (this is especially true with spaghetti), your food can't quite make it all the way to your mouth (speaking from personal experience).  So, where does it end up?  All over your nice white shirt.  With not a washing machine in sight, that spaghetti sauce is going to set in and you will forever have a little orange spot on your shirt to remind you of your mistake.  Or so you thought.