Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which means the season of lent is upon us.

It's funny, I think, that I opened up The Upper Room today and read:

For 40 years in the desert, God's people were assured they would not go hungry. But they could—and did—grow weary of their monotonous diet of manna. Then, once they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the manna ceased—no more guaranteed food. God's people had the freedom to fail, but they also had the faith that could help them succeed. Perhaps that's why they marked the crossing of the river by celebrating Passover, eating the unleavened bread.

The truth is I love food.

And, honestly, I think it's great. I don't feel bad that I love food. I don't even care if people think I eat a lot because let's be real, I'm a big eater. I am so incredibly blessed to eat every meal with more than enough, I am very lucky to not go hungry, and I'm humbled that I have as many options as I do. Eating in my life—it's a luxury. I can eat anything I want at anytime. Do you ever actually take a step back and think about that?

The thing is, after weeks and months of eating however I damn well please, eating is just another thing I do. I really would like it to be more.

I want to be mindful and thankful of the food on the plate, where it comes from, and what it is doing for me. To do this, I am going to take only what I need. It's going to be a hard place to judge at times, but if I eat slower, listen to my body, I think I will know when I am sufficiently full. I won't eat just to eat; I will try and stop using food as a way for me to transfer my emotions.

I won't be able to do it alone, getting through the Lent season will take far more than my own discipline and self-control.

It's going to take me relying on God and being honest with Him and myself, something that I will need more and more as life continues down this crazy road.

Here's to 40 days of intentional, mindful, and healthy eating.