“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Seems pretty simple and straightforward doesn’t it? If our hearts are fixed on what is important than even eating should come as an opportunity for joy and growth. How I wish this were one of those things that came naturally. How I wish that every bite, every taste, every meal be wrought with happiness and laughter. Where has the fun gone in our bites?
I will tell you where it has gone for me! To all the voices in my head saying “In order to maintain a healthy body weight one must consume no more than 2000 calories in a day,” “Did you know that carbohydrates are the enemy?” “Haven’t you already maxed out on your dessert intake for the day…” Ahhhhhhh! It is enough to drive me crazy! Do I believe in healthy eating, absolutely. Do I fear that it has the potential to rule my life and cast a shining spotlight on my insecurities, absolutely.
I will never forget the day I was walking out of a coffee shop when I overheard a mother say to her petite, perfect, and beautiful 12 year old (ish) daughter “You know you picked the most fatty salad to eat, look at all the bacon that is on there.” I nearly wept for that girl as I got into my car. Instead of eating happily and carefree with her mother she was getting bombarded with guilt and nutritional facts. I wanted to run back in that place, give her a hug and say “You are perfect and beautiful just the way you are.” Somewhere along the line eating has been eternally bound to weight, and for girls and women every bite (good or bad, healthy or unhealthy) has the potential to be painful.
I don’t want that for us. I don’t want that for the young girls who before they even hit puberty know what a “no carb” diet is. I pray that the joy, the fun, the laughter, the friendship that comes with eating can be restored for this generation and the generation to come. I pray that my house does not even know what the word “diet” means. And as for me and my little girl? It is ice cream sundae dates once a week from now until eternity. I am even going to teach her how to lick the bowl.
