"Lettuce" Do Lent
by Marianne Schultz, Deacon
Lent is here, and it is such a very spiritual time. While I pray upon the need for the Lord in my life, I offer this humble recent experience that was very purposeful and very rewarding.
My husband Scott and I love good food, fried food, bread, pasta, POTATOES (I love them for dessert!), PIZZA … all those wonderful carbs! Give those up? Not a chance, not possible! But with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Scott’s hip replacement surgery in January led us down a different road of eating. I say “us” because I did not think it fair or kind to eat things he had been advised to not consume.
“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” (Matthew 9:14 NLT)
But my love for Scott is so deep that I would do anything for him. Low carb/low sugar––how would this be possible? We know the answer! Lots of creativity on my part to make meals look appealing, for we all know we eat with our eyes! This diet regime was to help reduce inflammation and the possibility of infection. I prayed to see Scott recover successfully and to get strong again with a healthy diet.
I relied on my Nutrition Management curriculum textbook and notes. I looked through the Mayo Clinic cookbook and into my imagination. For my support to Scott, I relied on these resources as I have relied upon the Bible as a roadmap for my life in good living and serving the Lord.
Was it easy? No. Was it delicious? Well, yes actually! Was it a learning experience? Certainly! Will we continue beyond the suggested timeframe? Yes, I think we can! I think giving up something for those we love is important whenever necessary, especially during this beautiful season of Lent. After all, God Is Love.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whomever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is Love. (1 John 4:8)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, let me focus upon Your goodness, love, and the sacrifice you did for us all this Lenten season. I know You are love, and let me show that in my daily life and prayers always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
