“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Mom it smells like home.” It was such an unexpected statement that brought a smile to my face and light to my heart. After a full week of running errands and tending to tasks, it seemed like I’d given to everyone except myself. Cooking was my moment for me, with me. I’d started marinading lamb chops earlier that morning and had the whole meal planned in my mind. I was meticulous about the flavors and spices I wanted. I spent a few hours in the kitchen, just me and my music and my culinary methods. It was exactly what I needed.
When it came time to eat dinner there was a gratitude I couldn’t express. All the hustle and change in a season with so much newness can take a toll. But there was something so different about being able to make this meal somehow set things right, there was a calm and ease I felt. My husband and kids came into the kitchen full of compliments and ready to eat. My daughter walked over to me and said, “Mom it smells like home.” In that moment I felt so blessed to be able to give her a sense of belonging and a piece of comfort that she could identify and recognize.
I have always enjoyed cooking. There’s a certain therapeutic quality it offers in being able to see time and effort respond to my creative expression and energy. Honestly, it had been a while since I’d been so intentional with preparing a meal. It occurred to me in my alone time preparing that meal, of the glory and goodness shared in the making of a meal. I was reminded of Psalm 23:5 and the fact that the Living God is just as intentional about preparing a table (meal) for each of us. The time and energy I spent preparing a meal was a blessing to both myself and my family. Specifically, for my daughter it brought a sense of comfort and belonging in a way she needed. Often in the moments we encounter kindness shared through others it adds light and love to our life, and is truly a display of the intention Yah takes to show us that He is present, and has prepared goodness for us to have and hold.
Our lives are meant to be a display of the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 speaks about food and drink specifically because meeting our most basic needs is how we show ourselves and others compassion and care. Most simply stated, we give God G.L.O.R.Y anytime we choose to Give both Light and love to Optimize the Recognition of Yah. That can be through making or sharing a meal, having an encouraging and meaningful conversation, or even just sharing intentional time by sitting with someone who is hurting or grieving. Whatever we do is supposed to be done with the goal of giving light and love to others so they recognize the presence of God and we share with them what God prepared through us, using our hands and feet.
The table is prepared for you. There are set experiences and encounters the Living God has designed just for you. Moments that allow you to eat, drink and do whatever you’re gifted for and intend to glorify Him. Psalm 23:5 reminds us of the preparation that God has set. In order for what you do to bring glory to God you have to learn to feast. It may seem like an odd thing to say, but feasting requires that we acknowledge preparation and then actively choose to participate in the goodness provided for us. Feasting is:
F – Faith: Trusting in the plan and purpose of the Living God, and finding comfort in His word and presence through the situations and people we encounter.
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
E – Empathy: Developing understanding, compassion and love for oneself, and then sharing that love and compassion with others, as modeled in scripture.
Scripture: Colossians 3:12, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
A – Acceptance: Embracing life’s challenges and personal imperfections, to recognize that we have been equipped and prepared for goodness.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
S – Serenity: Cultivating inner peace and tranquility through prayer, meditation, and reflection on the word of the Living God and the gifts of wisdom shared through Jesus.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
T – Transformation: Nurturing personal growth and mental well-being through renewing our perspective to see ourselves as Heaven sees us. Realizing that we are equipped and powerful to walk in our purpose with the guidance and wisdom found in scripture.
Scripture: Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Are you feasting? Is there an area where you are struggling to accept your worthiness of the table prepared for you? I pray that you recognize that you have something special to share, and that your gifts bring God glory. As you share goodness with yourself and others may the Living God give you opportunities to FEAST!
