7 months of radical reduction: Seeing food differently

It is just over halfway through the first month of this 7 month journey and God has already shown me so much. Many people have asked me how I'm still sticking with it: eating only 7 foods, every day. Well, I've put some thought into that question...

I will make the same confession as many people have made to me: I have a discipline problem when it comes to food. I've never been able to keep myself on a diet. I love food. It just tastes s-o-o good and it can bring on so much comfort too.

However, in the past two weeks I have eaten only 7 foods and drank only water. Admittedly, I have stretched it a bit when out with family and friends, but I have stuck to the same core foods. I don't say all this to focus on me, to boast (my flesh is weak, trust me), or to toot my own horn (more about this issue in a later post). I say this because this is a big deal. I, who have a major weakness for food, have stuck to 7 foods for sixteen days. 

What this tells me: my GOD is MIGHTY. I can do all things through Him and for Him. The difference between this current change in my eating habits and anything I've done in the past is that this time, I'm not doing it for myself. I'm not limiting myself to 7 foods so that I can lose weight. I'm not doing it so that I can feel better about myself. In fact, I'm doing it so that I can think of myself less. More God, less me. 

At social gatherings, especially here in the south, there seems to always be cake or cupcakes, cookies, pies, etc. This time of year commercials and billboards advertise milkshakes, ice cream, and all sorts of delicious sweets. It is all so hard to resist. My ready response has always been, "you only live once, why not enjoy it." 

I've prayed for discipline, for strength, and for my eyes to be opened. And God is delivering. Now, when I catch myself having an inner pity party about not savoring all these good foods around me, my mind goes elsewhere. God brings to mind the people who don't even have 7 foods to choose from. He reminds me of the children I work with who hardly get enough food to eat at home or the ones who rely on food at school because there isn't really food for them at home. He reminds of the families who eat McDonald's for nearly every meal because that is all they can afford. All of these people live right here in my county, many in the same city. What am I doing about that? Not much, to be honest.

Who am I to complain about food or lack thereof? God is teaching me to see food through new eyes. These foods that are so amazing to me are a gift. I ought to consider chips and salsa, seasonings and herbs, coffee, and all of the other delicious treats I miss as precious gifts from God that He created for us to share and enjoy. What a great God, right? Creating such great things simply for our enjoyment. Amazing. 

Imagine your life without your favorite foods. Some people are living that life right now and have far less than we have ever known. I know that I want that to change and I want start doing something about it. You only live once, why not make a difference...Boy, am I reaching a whole new level of gratitude.