12th day of Lent- Proverbs 30:8

"Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
    give me neither poverty nor riches;
    feed me with the food that I need," Proverbs 30:8

Today's devotion takes an unexpected turn.  It's not directly about feeding others, as you might expect from World Hunger devotions.  It's about feeding ourselves, both physically and spiritually, so that we can work to nourish the world.  

The author, Jennifer Sharrick, writes about how she has turned the preparation of locally grown food delivered to her each Tuesday in the summer into a spiritual discipline.  The fresh fruits and vegetables support the local economy and provide healthy meals.  The food preparation takes time and challenges her creativity as she finds ways to use new ingredients.  All of this contributes to her ability to do the work of World Hunger, "working for a world where all are fed."

It's important that we care for and nourish our bodies.  If we are not well, how can we help others?  It's also important to think about the food choices we make and how that might enhance our spirituality.  How often in my life have I raced through a meal of primarily processed food, not even thinking about what I was eating or where it came from?  Far too often, I have to admit.  This devotion is a challenge to me to give greater thought to food and its preparation as a spiritual discipline that gives glory to God.  

The  picture above was taken last September of the Our Saviour's Lutheran Community Garden, Salt Lake City, UT.