Get up and eat!

"Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you."
1 Kings 19:7

There are times when it seems easy to skip meals or eat poorly. When I fall into that pattern, I hear my Aunt Catherine reminding me that going without food is unwise, because the body always needs something “to come back on” when it works, or especially if it becomes ill.

Aunt Catherine lived to be nearly 100. She had a less than high school education. She had multiple doctorates in spiritual wisdom which evolved from a life that was simple…but not easy. Whenever she stayed at our home I always saw her first thing in the morning, in the middle of the afternoon, and in the evening….sitting in “her” chair…praying quietly. She didn’t speak much about her prayer time. But I did notice, that when things were challenging in one way or another, I would see her go to her prayer chair even more regularly. After the prayers she would just get up and do what needed to be done. I don’t think she would have been able to do that without prayer….because, as I said, her life was not an easy one.

When Aunt Catherine was nearing death, she could no longer eat. She wasn’t worried about consuming food…but she never stopped praying. She returned to prayer when she could no longer walk, or work, or even talk much. With every breath until her last she relied upon the prayers and hymns and scripture verses that had fed her all her life. Long after her body and mind were eroding, her soul continued to be vigorous and filled with life…the life in the Lord which sustained her throughout and beyond her journey on earth.

During August we have been reminded that in Jesus Christ God provides the food that lasts forever. Christ satisfies the hunger that affects our deepest attitudes. Christ, the Bread of Heaven, provides all that we need so that we function in a spirit of love, compassion, patience, forgiveness and generosity.

Typically September marks a “return” to a more regular life rhythm, including church attendance. School has started, many of our vacations are completed, and a whole pattern of school and extracurricular activities faces many families. I encourage you (if you haven’t yet done so) to review the many ways you can participate in the life of the church and include “faith food” in your daily diet.

Much can be predicted and scheduled, but many unknowns are also before us…life can take sudden turns; relational or physical trials may place tremendous pressure upon us. Sometimes the journey may threaten to be too much for us.

Nourishing your faith is as critical as eating well and embracing a balanced life of work, play and rest.

Get up and eat of the Food of Eternal Life! The Feast is Spread!