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It does make life a bit harder, to be sure. And, it pushes hard on my 'don't be a bother' issue--- I am the one who is a bother when it comes to meal times. I simply can't just eat anything these days. And, it pushes on my 'I can't have a weakness' issue---In fact, I have weakness for all to see and witness at every meal time. Pushing on these issues is good and right. Pushing on these wounds, and others, is Loving! But, it hasn't been an easy road.
When I travel, it becomes even more fraught with difficulties. But, my loving Father continues to show me His care over even this mundane aspect of my life. Food.
He talks alot about food in His word, have you ever noticed? He talks about His provision and His care of food. He talks about His gifts of food and His using food to nourish. He talks about food's importance and it's place in our lives. He also talks about being our food... He, Himself... our food. He shares with us that He is sweeter than the very best earthly food.
So, with an upcoming trip approaching came a dialogue with my Father about my food. As we talked about my food---or my food allergies--- I felt a distinctly, determined faith rising up within my soul. I truly felt His Spirit was placing in me a stubborn commitment to not worry about what I would eat. I sensed an invitation to trust Him more.
He would provide. He was my good Shepherd and would provide exactly the food I needed in the pasture He was taking me.
But, I still planned. And, I still prepared. I made us a lovely breakfast for our 4 am train ride... including beautiful, egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, corn-free, sugar-free pumpkin muffins. I was ready!
Until... in the midst of the 3 AM brain frog and haste of leaving, I forgot that lovely, full bag of food in my refrigerator. It is still sitting there as I write this!
The minute I remembered it (on our way to catch the train), I felt such grief! And, mingled in the grief...was the thought... How in the world am I going to eat!? What am I going to eat on this train and plane flight?!
My head literally dropped down to my knees and I wanted to cry. Worry and fear where hanging close by ready to jump. Quicker still and stronger, though, was a tender thought that wafted across my mind. I am Your Good Shepherd. Trust me. I will provide for you.
I knew this was an opportunity. This too was a practical, beautiful opportunity to fall head first into the invitation of trust from my Heavenly Father!
So, in those wee hours, as we rode along that dark road to the train station, I opened my hands and told my sweet Father that I would trust Him. Father, I trust You today.
You should have seen the beautiful chicken breast dinner that was delivered to my airplane seat as we began our 11 hour plane flight that day!! Truly it was miraculous. I could eat it all... a tray full of delicious airplane food (I know, an oxymoron!) that I could eat.
He had led me into this pasture and was providing food for me. He was delivering manna right to my airplane seat... and it tasted wonderful!
He cares about this... even this. He is my Shepherd. He is your Shepherd, today, my friends. Right where you are--- in your pasture--- He will provide all you need.
I am learning, Father. Thank you for teaching me. And, thank you for using hard things to lead me forward in this lesson of faith.