Day 13

Food and Festivals

So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them –Nehemiah 8:12

Birthday parties, graduations, weddings, bbq’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, AAAAHHHHHH!  It seems like there is always some kind of “food party” happening, and there you are- right smack dab in the middle of it.  It is normal to feel nervous when attending these gatherings, knowing the temptations you will be faced with.  It can seem overwhelming at first, but you can do it!

Here’s the deal- there is always going to be parties and get-togethers.  There are always going to be buffets, pot blessings, and left over birthday cake.  These moments are part of life.  You can’t avoid them, you simply need to have a plan when attending them. 

I used to get judgmental towards these big food festivals.  I thought it was gluttonous behavior.  I found it easier to be mad at the food than to learn how to eat it.  Then one day in my private devotion time, the light bulb came on.  I realized that food, family, and festivities have gone hand in hand since the beginning of man.  The food is truly an important piece of the celebration. There is nothing wrong with these big “food parties”, I simply needed to learn how to be part of them without getting derailed.

To this day I plan how I am going to handle different gatherings.  Sometimes I decide I am going to eat whatever I want as long as I quit when I am full.  The main goal is simply not to over eat.  I may go way over my body’s caloric needs, but that’s okay once in a while.  Other times I may allow certain foods, but not others.  I can have any appetizers and meal items, but no sugar.  Other times I decide it is best not to eat at the party at all.  I eat before I go, and drink plenty of water, an occasional cup of coffee, and avoid the food area.  I make these decisions based on how they will affect me long term.  If I allow myself desserts, will I be able to say no the next day, or will I have to go through mini mental withdrawal again?  If so, is it worth it?  If I don’t allow myself to eat at the party, will I be all crabby and no fun, or can I adjust my attitude and have a good time?  If it’s an “enjoy to the fullest” party then I eat very light the day of the party, and make sure to get a little extra cardio exercise in.

The key is this- think it through in advance. Don’t just think “I’ll be okay, I know what I should and shouldn’t eat”.  You may know what you should and should not eat, but will you stick to that?  It’s hard to.  Especially when you are surrounded by people saying how good everything is.  Especially when you are not the only one there who would benefit from saying no to their flesh a little.  Trust me, the enemy will point out everyone else’s plate until you finally cave.  You need to have a plan, and stick to the plan.  You need to determine in advance that you will not be moved by how anyone else eats. 

I find it helpful to look at the big picture.  You need to picture yourself waking up the next morning.  You will wake up one of two ways.  You will either have a cloudy head, food hangover and a side of guilt, or you will wake up feeling a little stronger as you cut yet another rope of the bondage food has held over you in the past.  Which one sounds better to you?

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for wonderful gatherings and festivities that are part of my life.  I confess I need help when being a part of them.  I need strength and wisdom in attending them.  Please help me with a plan that will work best for me.  Help me to know when and what to eat.  Help me to know when to stop.  Help me to use the discipline and self control that you say in your Word I have. In Jesus’ name, Amen