Fast Food of the Soul

The last few months of my pregnancy I was confronted with a reality check about my eating habits; I like junk food. I like being "busy" though not necessarily productive. This means that I'm more likely to spend an excessive amount of time on that sewing project or finishing that last chapter of the book I'm reading and less time in the kitchen making solid, healthy food. Also, my tastes are such that eating a loaf of garlic bread is much more appealing than a bowl of strawberries or carrots or even healthy meat options. This usually works out just fine for me... I am able to keep up a steady stream of carbs that fuel my day then get in my nutrition at dinner. However, at 8 months pregnant my body's requirements were a bit different than when I'm flying solo. This is true now that I'm breast feeding too. I realize how often I go for what sounds and feels good instead of what I actually need; what the hunger pains are actually supposed to direct me to.

And then there's my soul. It prefers junk food too (or if not "junk" at least quick and easy). I'd rather jump to a quick place of emotion as conjured up by listening to good worship music or reading a convicting book than do the hard work of digging into the Word and giving the Spirit time to unpack its benefits into the inner workings of my heart. It's like waiting for brown rice to cook; 45 minutes?!?!? are you joking me? They've got minute rice that cooks in 10. It feels the same on the stomach at first, but look at the effects on your body. Sugar spike followed by sugar drop and years later most likely followed by diabetes in my biological case... The spikes and valleys have characterized my spiritual walk for years.

I need some diligence. Diligence to turn on the oven BEFORE I'm hungry to be able to create a meal that satisfies not just my hunger pains, but my body's needs as well. I need diligence to steep myself in the Word and the Work of God BEFORE I'm in anguishing need, deeply taking it in despite the lack of hunger pains. Because, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"... even those words from Deuteronomy or Jeremiah. Don't sample them; feast on them. Take them in even if you don't know what their benefit is (like really, what dietary benefit is there to a mushroom?).