Laced With Grace – Christian Devotions

Making Lunch

By Guest Blogger July 3, 2007 Devotion

My kids often make their own meals. (Yes I know–family meals are best. We both work from home and spend all day with the kids–meals are kind of an extra around here.)

Why do I trust these three young people to make wise decisions about food? How do I know they aren’t out there eating candy and cookies and drinking soda pop? How can I be sure that their food choices suit their needs, especially when all three suffer from many food allergies and have to be very careful what they eat?

  • Because I am available. I am always hovering nearby making sure their choices are good and they know it. If they are not sure about something they are free to ask and I will be glad to help them make a good choice.
  • Because I have trained them. I spent each of their first 4 years making all their food choices. I taught them what they can eat and what they can’t and allowed them to make mistakes so they know what the consequences are if they eat such and such. I also know that the oldest, who is a mother in the making, is watching what the younger ones choose and helping them make wise decisions. She knows what is available and what she is allowed. She also knows what is allowed for the younger ones.
  • Because I have eliminated the biggest temptations. Our cupboards are not filled with foods that would tempt them but rather with things they can make easily on their own (peanut butter and organic jelly pita with carrots anyone?) The cookies are all organic and made with safe ingredients for all (no dyes or preservatives lest they bounce off the walls) and they know that they may only eat one serving according to the serving size.

They know what is best and what is right because I have taught them. They know that I am checking on them to make sure they choose wisely and that they will deal with the consequences if they make poor choices. They know that they feel best when they eat healthy. They have gained freedom to choose wisely as they have gained the wisdom needed to make those decisions.

When I was a younger Christian the Lord held my hand and walked me through each trial, teaching me how to walk right. He eliminated many areas of sin and temptation, removing the most dangerous things from my grasp. As I grew I made mistakes and often had to run to Him asking for help making decisions (He meant it when He promised wisdom to all who ask.). As I grew I stumbled less though stumble I did. Now I get to make my own lunch. I know He is still watching, He is still checking on me and making sure I make wise decisions but He is withholding less things, allowing me to choose between good and better. He still provides all the makings and I know that the things within reach are all safe for me, but He wants me to choose what is best and I am intent on living up to the responsibility.

How about you? Where are you in you walk? Are you still learning what is good and what is not? Are you gaining understanding but still stumbling repeatedly, wondering when you will ever stop taking two steps forward, one step back? Or are you getting to make your own lunch and helping others make decisions about theirs because you have proved yourself trustworthy?

Dearest Lord, thank you for the freedom we have in You, freedom to choose what is best, freedom to live as you have called us. Lord today I pray for wisdom for each of us. Help each of us to grow in You, to make wise decisions in our daily lives, to recognize temptations and flee from them. You are awesome and mighty and we praise Your Name. Amen.

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5 thoughts on “Making Lunch”

  1. LynnLynn

    Heather,

    This is a delightfu post and filled with wisdom. I can envision our God hovering near as he allows us to venture out with the knowledge and heart He has crafted. Wonderul.