Over the course of his 57 years (1950-2007), a Frenchman named Michel Lotito bit off more than he could chew – many times. In the process, he managed to consume “food items” that most of us would probably pass on. Lotito ate television sets, bicycles, shopping carts, and – get this – an airplane.
How did he do it? Lotito was blessed with an unusually thick lining of his stomach and intestines, which allowed him to consume metal. But there was a definite strategy behind his “success.”
“One bite at a time,” he said.
That’s how recovery comes to those who want it – one bite at a time. Why does it take so long for most of us to finally “get it”? I suggest three reasons.
- We have a lot to unlearn.
- Recovery is painful and scary.
- Good habits take a long time to develop.
Rick Warren offers this advice: “There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character. You must practice them – and that takes time! There are no instant habits.”
Recovery Step: Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15). You want recovery? Christlike character? You can get there – one bite at a time.
