I’ve been on a bit of a bender for the past week.

I know I’m not alone – the holidays, lots of feasting, extra goodies around the house, plenty of hospitable booze at the ready. Lots of shopping, cooking wrapping, and decorating gave way to a sense of entitlement to sleep and sloth and playing with our new toys (none of which included work out equipment).

It’s funny how desperately I long for rest, for unstructured downtime. I feel sure I won’t be able to get enough. But after two days of this, even the most basic tasks – like doing a load of laundry or buying toilet paper - become too hard.

Even my desire to be able to eat and drink as I please is revealed as a sham when I quickly become sluggish and ill feeling from too much wine and sugar and cheese. Maybe this is why I don’t allow myself much time like this. A little is good and restorative, but there is most definitely too much of a good thing.

It’s a good reminder that I prefer the feeling of busy. I like to feel energetic and healthy. I revel in being productive. So why is laziness and over indulgence so seductive?

So I start over again. I am comforted by the words of Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

Beginning is the hardest part after all, but our acts of faith are always honored and rewarded. The faith required to go to the gym, to lace up the running shoes, to plan meals and make more disciplined choices, to believe I can unwind after a day of work (or with my family) without a glass or two or ten of wine.

I’m not talking about resolutions really, just getting back to work. What do you need to start?