Sometimes I hate the fact that food is so easily accessible in America. I wonder if there are statistics showing that people who live in the city weigh more than people who have to travel further for their food? Within five square miles of my house there are probably ten grocery stores and at least 50 restaurants. Always available.
Listening to myself read the above paragraph out loud, sounds pathetic to my ears. Pathetic that I'm complaining about so much available food when so many in this world scratch for the food they eat. I saw a brief five-minute segment on the Travel channel the other day that showed young boys roaming the city dump scavenging for something that they might sell in order to buy food. They work 12-14 hours each day in filthy garbage and human waste, just to make enough money to feed their families. This very fact should shame me, but being truthful, it shames me very little because I'm so spoiled that I can't even empathize with their pain.
I'm reminded of the word "balance" just now. The Bible reminds me often to find balance. Philippians 4:12 (NIV)says - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Each day I strive to strike a balance between the foods I eat and the foods I want to eat, but leave on my plate. I must confess that I'm not as content when I'm hungry as I am when I'm well fed.
"Dear Lord, how greedy (I've) we've become as an American. A land so teeming with abundance that we eat more than we should and waste what we shouldn't. Forgive me my selfish ways and remind me often how blessed I really am. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I Need a Place to Hide
Today I just want to hide. Far, far away from my feelings and emotions.
What do emotions have to do with eating? Honestly, I wish I understood it. Some eat when they are bored, or tired, or alone. Others eat because they love to celebrate, or when in a crowd or while attending a special event. And, some of us eat just because the food is in front of us and it looks fresh and tasty.
I confess that there is only one time that I do not like the taste of food is when I'm grieving. Last night was a prime example of that. I couldn't at first understand the feeling I was having. Then I recalled the few times that I have a hard time eating. It's definitely when I'm grieving. Food tastes like cardboard, even my favorite foods.
Grief is hard to explain - it doesn't always come just because someone you love dies. Sometimes it comes when something you want so badly never happens. Like the dream you've had for years seems like it will never be fulfilled. Or, the feeling that happens when you realize someone you love will never be what or who you've hoped and prayed they would be.
Only God can take away that kind of grief. It's gut-wrenching and far reaching into the inner cavernous of your soul. It takes your breath away and your desire to continue doing good.
Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Today Lord I'm running until I find that tower. Please open the door wide so I will not miss the entrance. I need the safety of your strong arms today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen"
What do emotions have to do with eating? Honestly, I wish I understood it. Some eat when they are bored, or tired, or alone. Others eat because they love to celebrate, or when in a crowd or while attending a special event. And, some of us eat just because the food is in front of us and it looks fresh and tasty.
I confess that there is only one time that I do not like the taste of food is when I'm grieving. Last night was a prime example of that. I couldn't at first understand the feeling I was having. Then I recalled the few times that I have a hard time eating. It's definitely when I'm grieving. Food tastes like cardboard, even my favorite foods.
Grief is hard to explain - it doesn't always come just because someone you love dies. Sometimes it comes when something you want so badly never happens. Like the dream you've had for years seems like it will never be fulfilled. Or, the feeling that happens when you realize someone you love will never be what or who you've hoped and prayed they would be.
Only God can take away that kind of grief. It's gut-wrenching and far reaching into the inner cavernous of your soul. It takes your breath away and your desire to continue doing good.
Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Today Lord I'm running until I find that tower. Please open the door wide so I will not miss the entrance. I need the safety of your strong arms today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen"
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