Lent Day 32: Taste

I am fighting the battle of the bulge. I don’t feel like I’m winning. This morning after I post this, I have to go in for my monthly Weigh and Measure at Curves. I stood at my closet trying to figure out the lightest clothes that I have to wear, ones that won’t add ounces or fractions of inches. I’m not going to wear my watch, rings, or earrings. I won’t drink my morning coffee or tea until after I get back from my workout.

All my efforts made me laugh at myself. I know better. I work out consistently and hard on a daily basis. I’m burning approximately 500 calories each workout. That part is good. I’m proud that I don’t use excuses to not get exercise into my daily routine. What I’m not quite as proud of is what else is getting into me. My diet may be improving, but I need to not let my appetite run the show. Taste seems to drive the machine and that’s not a good plan.

This week, while all three grandchildren were here, I asked what they wanted for supper. The very asking made me chuckle at bit. We never would have been asked as children what we wanted to eat. Mom cooked what my dad wanted, and like it or not, that’s what we ate—and we ate it all! The younger grandson, the very bright and wordy one, looked at me and very clearly told me, “You shouldn’t call it supper, Mema. You should call it snacks and we would eat it.” I have a three year old budding psychologist on my hands.

What tastes good to you? Do you crave certain foods? Is there something you can’t get enough of? Do you reward and celebrate with food? Is it any wonder that there are so many references to food and eating in the Bible? Think about it. The whole sin thing got started with a juicy apple. Jacob stole Esau’s birthright over a bowl of stew and then used food to fool his father. We’re told that we’re the salt of the earth, and while it has many uses, we turn most often to it to flavor our food.

I thought of two instructions that we are given regarding our relationship with God and our appetite:

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8, NLT)

2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation (2 Peter 2:2, NIV).

So, while I’m working to be more mindful of what I put in my mouth for the next Weigh and Measure, I’m going to purpose to be more intentional about what I put in my spirit. I’m thinking that the results will be good on both fronts. Shall we try the experiment together? Bon appetite!