From food to faithfulness

I have long since wanted to do a book review of Michael Pollan's book, In Defense of Food. I enjoyed the book and found even more motivation to get away from "nutritionism" as he says, and just eat real food. It is a wonder to me that those who desire not the latest food fad or to count carbs/protein/calories/vitamins (insert whatever here) but the food our great-grandparents probably enjoyed- these people are the weird ones. Those who don't eat the plastic cheese are freaks. Something is wrong with our culture.

However, I am also working out in my mind how the way we eat fits in with our Kingdom purposes. We are not to be living for ourselves; we have a greater goal in mind than just to sustain our own family in this life. And so I've put off the book report because I haven't worked it all out yet. I do know that my husband and I are working and saving not only for our own generation, but with our children and our children's children in view. We would like to have a farm but we understand it may be years down the road, when we are too old to actually farm, but we would be able to give our children an advantage we don't have (land).

Creating a healthy food source, a reputable farm with God-honoring ethics, a place for our children to learn hard work and how to provide for others, a witness in the community by participating in the farmer's market- all these things do fit in with our Kingdom goals. So I don't think our food goals are in opposition to our Kingdom goals, but we are still refining our thoughts. I read this post yesterday and it's a good reminder to make God's Word and principles your #1 guide as you make any decision for your family. Anything good can become an idol, and many in the food movement make it their religion. I see this as an opportunity to shine more brightly (no pun intended) and to redeem this area for the glory of God.

One complaint I've heard is that food preparation receives too much attention in our house. Pollan says this, "For most people for most of history, gathering and preparing food has been an occupation at the very heart of daily life. Traditionally, people have allocated a far greater portion of their income for food- as they still do in countries where people eat better than we do and as a consequence are healthier than we are. "

We are building a culture here at our house, one where spending time with one another and with friends, is central to our life. Sure, if you are a grump in the kitchen and shoo everyone out so you can spend hours preparing food that is "perfect" it will not be appreciated. I'm sure I've been guilty of that on occasion. As a side note, my husband is always encouraging me to choose hospitality over homemade; if the choice must be made he would prefer I buy the convenience food and continue to use our home for hospitality. I am learning that most of the time a little planning and prep can avoid that, but then again I'm not homeschooling, etc. One other aspect to consider: the more I learn to cook the faster I get, the less time it takes, and the more the kids can actually help. I think I am spending less time on food than I did two years ago because it doesn't require quite as much thought and I'm just a little more efficient.

Most of the time, the kitchen is a central part of the life of each member of our family. If we ever build a home the kitchen will literally be the center of our house; it will fit hoards of people (or children) who enjoy sitting around and chatting (or helping). In some sense it ceases to become work and is transformed into life, love, fellowship, and memories. Nancy Wilson talks about investing so much in your marriage that it's like being wound up in a ball of string...a memory here, a tradition there, a romantic evening thrown in...round and round (I'm sure I'm messing up the analogy- my apologies) that to cut away at all of that and start over with some new person isn't even worth the trouble.

I think the same applies to children: we long to have their hearts so we can teach them of the Most Important One. We do that first by praying for them and teaching their tender hearts, but then by creating memories, traditions, and so many day-to-day pleasantries that to leave the Covenant family and the little things they love most is not even appealing. Our children are young, so some may say this is all just "theory" but I am not making up these ideas. :) We are seeking to follow others who have raised their children to be faithful parents- as they follow Christ. We have chosen to make meal times and food prep one part of that process; others have the same goals and take an entirely different route and I can think of several families we would be honored to emulate who are in that boat.

So, from food to faithfulness in 5 minutes. How did that happen?