Sweet Victory

As part of LifeWay's efforts to encourage their employees "Toward a Healty Lifestyle," a freezer filled with various Blue Bell Ice Cream Snacks has appeared just a few steps from the salad bar in the LifeWay cafe. The treats are moderately priced, ranging from only 99¢ for various yummy ice cream bars and sandwiches to $1.99 for a whole pint of delicious creaminess. I'm not talking about plain vanilla or chocolate either—the first two flavors I spotted were Caramel Turtle Fudge and Pistachio Almond.

I had intentionally avoided the little white treasure chest when I passed through the cafe earlier, on my way to heat up the canned soup I'd brought for lunch. Sitting down to eat outside in the lovely October sunshine, I focused on how luxurious it can be to eat grapes from a plastic food container and bask in the cool breeze sweeping across the parking lot. I believe almost any kind of lunch could feel luxurious on Friday.

As I unhurriedly began the walk back to my office, I paused for a minute or two by the freezer just to see what sort of selection it offered. Soon I found myself trying to choose between the Chocolate Chip Country Cookie (one of my favorites) and the Double Banana Bar (which was slightly cheaper). I do have some change in my pocket, I thought, and it IS Friday, after all. Why not pamper myself a bit?

Suddenly the image I saw in the mirror this morning popped in my head, and I decided I'd take a little glance at the Nutrition Facts on the back. Hmmm...would the low-calorie soup, wheat crackers, and grapes balance out the 12 grams of fat in my favorite cookie sandwich? Probably not.

I turned around and walked straight to my office, comforting myself with the victorious feeling of having resisted the temptation. Besides, I thought, I don't need ice cream to make me happy on a Friday. The simple promise of a weekend ahead is sweet enough for today.

Monday, on the other hand, may be a different story...