I recently spent a weekend in the frozen tundra of Illinois. I think it was 17 degrees when we landed. Despite the weather, it was great to see family. It felt like Thanksgiving because I think all I did for 48 hours was eat. Probably an unconscious coping skill when dealing with cold temperatures. . .must have comfort food. Some of my nieces & nephews were sick; croupy cough, runny noses, oh yah, good stuff. And there’s the whole swarm of bacteria and viruses that live on an airplane’s tray and arm rest full time. Ick! Keep your hand-sanitizer close and your travel-disinfectant-spray closer. Yes, I have a travel size!
My family knows I’ve been a huge advocate of vitamins for the last couple years, specifically Vit C and zinc. When cold symptoms just barely make an appearance as if to say “get ready, I’m coming in!”, that’s my cue. I live on Zicam and 1000 mg/day of Vit C when it starts. You know that little tickle in your throat, or the feeling you have to sneeze more often than normal, that’s when I start and I take Zicam every few hours for that first day. This regimen has kept me from getting colds that last 5 days, or worse, turn into sinus infections and/or bronchitis! When you find something that works, you want everyone to experience the same benefits. This is why word-of-mouth is the best advertising there is.
I think of my faith the same way. I want everyone to know scripture for it’s benefits. I want everyone to have faith in Jesus for the hope it provides. I want everyone to feel God’s comforting arms around them when they are going through trials in their life. I have used my faith very much like vitamins & medicine, and it works.
We are now in the Lenten season where we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Easter through self-denial, self-sacrifice or promises to do something. Like vitamins & medicine, these small sacrifices & promises allow us to strengthen our relationship with Christ. I have given up something for lent since I was young. There were many times I used it as a means to diet. I’ll give up french fries and since I’m giving them up, I’ll force myself not to eat them and I’ll lose weight. Added benefit sure, but my mind wasn’t where it should have been.
As I thought about what I’d give up this year, my mind went to rich-tasting foods that I’ve taken for granted. Each time I pass them up I will think of Christ, the sacrifices he made, the strength he had. This is small potatoes compared to what I’ve endured in the last 2 years but it’s still good medicine for my soul. As I continually strive to be a better servant of God in my thoughts, words and actions, this small sacrifice can be used to increase my dialogue with God, thanking Him for the food I DO have when all I have to do is open the pantry or fridge, drive through and poof, a lady hands me a bag filled with hot food, or pop into a store that’s less than a mile from my house FILLED with food. This small sacrifice will increase my prayers for those that do NOT have the abundance, variation or convenience of foods we are so blessed to have.
I do feel blessed. Despite the tremendous loss in my life, I am not physically suffering. I have food, shelter, clothing, warmth, health. One can be blessed and still suffer emotionally and I do, every day, but I do believe, wholeheartedly, there is purpose in my pain. I will see God face to face and we will discuss this time in my life. He’ll see the path I chose following a tragedy, I hope He is pleased. He’ll see the people I’ve spoken to and although I do not see it now, He will show me the ripple effect.
I’ve changed and I am a different person than I was. It is ALL because of my faith. Growing up changes us. Going through hardship changes us. God still gives us a choice to use our faith as medicine to trust in Him as we cope with changes in our lives. The small sacrifice it takes to give up one of your favorite foods for 40 days is minimal. Will you join me if you haven’t already made a commitment? Each time you pass up that favorite food, stop and say a prayer. Perhaps it prompts you to pray for those less fortunate, those that do not have food. Perhaps you ask God to reveal to you how this small sacrifice could open your heart to a relationship and a dialogue with Him that you didn’t have before. Trust in Him and rely on Him for strength. His love is good medicine for whatever physical or emotional suffering you face. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2