Food. It’s vital for life, it brings joy and satisfaction. We incorporate it into our daily plans and it always finds a way into conversation. We have had a taste of different cultural foods every month. Our tastebuds have had to adjust to different spices, textures and temps. Our stomachs have had to adapt to different types of nutrition and digestion; some countries have been harder than others.
God intended food to be a bonding experience that brings joy and connection. Jesus is the bread of life; He is the sustainer and nourisher. Not only do we need Him to live but also to thrive. The nourishment He provides brings the enjoyment, satisfaction, excitement and community to our lives.
Jesus uses food to perform miracles with multiplying the fish & loaves of bread for the hungry. He turns water into wine so the party doesn’t have to stop. His last meal with His disciples was symbolic to His life and mission here on Earth. Even after proving Himself to His disciples after rising from the grave the first question He asked was, “Where is the food” (Luke 24:40-43)?
As fellow believers we are called to break bread and commune together. What an easy direction to follow; who doesn’t enjoy gathering around a table of deliciousness?
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Acts 2: 42-47
We have had such great experiences over food. From being invited to a lunch by a church family in a mountain village of Thailand to making pupusas with our hosts and laughing until our bellies hurt, food has been vital for connection and community.
I have had struggles with food/health/lifestyle and still have the mind battles of being too controlling on what I consume. I have come a long way on this journey and have expanded my palate and “splurges” as I call them; however, there is always room for improvement. This month my goal is to only eat with people. Even if it’s sharing a cup of coffee in the morning with my teammate or it’s finding locals or other tourists to grab a bite together my food will be shared in communion. I will not sneak off to eat a different snack or worry about where my next meal will come from or if I will like it. This will challenge me as I can sometimes be a bit picky with my food choices but also force me out of resorting to food for comfort. This last month I’m called to risk, to fail, grow and overcome. I’m relying on my community to help me find the joy of our privilege to indulge in the richness that comes from sharing this necessity of life.
Success #1 for the month: Our Airbnb host invited us to a Balinese meal this morning that he prepared for the Galungan festival. We all had a great time connecting and receiving this wonderful gift and cultural experience 🙂
Success #2 for the month: Our first day of ministry we used a meet up app to see if any travels wanted to join us for dinner. We ended up meeting this great brother-in-Christ and tried out a unique place to grab a bite. We made a new friend and had a great time connecting 🙂
Fun Fact: Galungan is one of the most important spiritual festivals here in Bali and is happening now! This festival celebrates the good overcoming evil in the Balinese-Hindu religion. There are creatively decorated bamboo poles being put up all down the streets used to hang offerings to the spirits.
If you haven’t received my latest sponsor e-mail take a look:
https://mailchi.mp/49c0ef49dc0a/what-in-the-world-am-i-doing
