May 20
Instead of these things you gave your people food of angels, and without their toil you supplied them from heaven with bread ready to eat, providing every pleasure and suited to every taste. Wisdom 16:20
Don't we love to eat?! Some delicious foods are enjoyed even more so it seems, at certain times of the year too, aren't they? In the summertime when the grill is going full swing with juicy meats and fresh vegetables; during holidays when special delicacies and yummy desserts that traditionally are only made during that time; ethnic celebrations that include specific foods not cooked on a regular basis, and in the fall, when crisp, sweet apples and hard squashes baked to sugary perfection, are plentiful. Occasionally eating out at a particular restaurant consuming a favorite meal I do not have to cook at home, is certainly a huge treat for me. With multiple food allergies it isn’t always easy to eat where I am not in control of what ingredients may be present in the food. And isn’t it a lot of work to prepare, serve and clean up food?! It’s difficult to imagine having something to eat that no one, anywhere had a part in preparing, let alone have it be served tasting scrumptious and appealing to each person present! How amazed the Israelites must have been to find God’s delicacy waiting for them each morning in the desert!
In my busyness while getting caught up in the excitement of the moments with family and friends, I have a tendency to quickly eat my food, not always enjoying it as much as I could. Before I know it the event or meal is over and I am wishing for more. In my haste I missed something and am left wishing I had taken my time, slowly savoring the flavors of each morsel of food and conversation, committing them to memory. Some of those same behaviors while eating overflow into other areas of my life as well. In my haste to go on to the next thing, important parts of what I am involved with can slide right past me, and an opportunity is missed to experience the fullness of that occasion. During time of prayer and reflection, often it is difficult to slow down the activity in my mind and that tendency to rush forth can take hold. Then, off I go on to the next commitment before the message has had a chance to linger and begin to root in my heart. All the while, God is nudging me to slow down. Then something reminds me that these stirrings in my soul from God need to be carefully stored up and pondered; that only I can discipline myself to do this; only I can stop and take the time; only I can savor those moments meant for me.
The manna given by God to His people was a special, much needed gift for their survival. Out of His love for them, He again provided. They didn’t have to toil for it. All that was necessary was that they stop, consider what was before them, taste it, and enjoy. All they had to do was willingly accept His gift to them. We, just as they, need nutrition to keep our bodies healthy, but more vital to life than earthly food, is the spiritual food – our manna from heaven – given to us by God; just waiting to be slowly tasted and enjoyed.
Slow me down, Lord, that I may savor every moment with you.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Instead of these things you gave your people food of angels, and without their toil you supplied them from heaven with bread ready to eat, providing every pleasure and suited to every taste. Wisdom 16:20
Don't we love to eat?! Some delicious foods are enjoyed even more so it seems, at certain times of the year too, aren't they? In the summertime when the grill is going full swing with juicy meats and fresh vegetables; during holidays when special delicacies and yummy desserts that traditionally are only made during that time; ethnic celebrations that include specific foods not cooked on a regular basis, and in the fall, when crisp, sweet apples and hard squashes baked to sugary perfection, are plentiful. Occasionally eating out at a particular restaurant consuming a favorite meal I do not have to cook at home, is certainly a huge treat for me. With multiple food allergies it isn’t always easy to eat where I am not in control of what ingredients may be present in the food. And isn’t it a lot of work to prepare, serve and clean up food?! It’s difficult to imagine having something to eat that no one, anywhere had a part in preparing, let alone have it be served tasting scrumptious and appealing to each person present! How amazed the Israelites must have been to find God’s delicacy waiting for them each morning in the desert!
In my busyness while getting caught up in the excitement of the moments with family and friends, I have a tendency to quickly eat my food, not always enjoying it as much as I could. Before I know it the event or meal is over and I am wishing for more. In my haste I missed something and am left wishing I had taken my time, slowly savoring the flavors of each morsel of food and conversation, committing them to memory. Some of those same behaviors while eating overflow into other areas of my life as well. In my haste to go on to the next thing, important parts of what I am involved with can slide right past me, and an opportunity is missed to experience the fullness of that occasion. During time of prayer and reflection, often it is difficult to slow down the activity in my mind and that tendency to rush forth can take hold. Then, off I go on to the next commitment before the message has had a chance to linger and begin to root in my heart. All the while, God is nudging me to slow down. Then something reminds me that these stirrings in my soul from God need to be carefully stored up and pondered; that only I can discipline myself to do this; only I can stop and take the time; only I can savor those moments meant for me.
The manna given by God to His people was a special, much needed gift for their survival. Out of His love for them, He again provided. They didn’t have to toil for it. All that was necessary was that they stop, consider what was before them, taste it, and enjoy. All they had to do was willingly accept His gift to them. We, just as they, need nutrition to keep our bodies healthy, but more vital to life than earthly food, is the spiritual food – our manna from heaven – given to us by God; just waiting to be slowly tasted and enjoyed.
Slow me down, Lord, that I may savor every moment with you.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson