Our Daily Bread

In his book In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan says that because of the use of chemical fertilizers, our soil has fewer nutrients, so Americans are eating more and more calories in our attempt to gain the nutrients our bodies need. 

As I read his book, it strikes me that the same thing is true of our spiritual lives; we need that energy that flows into us from the Divine Person, but since we are not getting it from a relationship with God, we are seeking more and more "empty calories" from movies, electronic games, sensational experiences (food, drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.).  All of these things, like the empty calories from food, satisfy us temporarily, but we still crave the permanent Source of Energy we need to be at peace. 

Jesus said, "MY peace I give to you, not as the world gives."  His peace is energy and comfort, security, not fear or anxiety.  We can rest, even as we work, knowing our Source will not run out or fail us.  And how do we GET His peace?  He said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone will open to me, I will come in and sup with him, and he with Me."  Once we open the door and allow Him access to our inner lives, to the things we are 'eating' on a daily basis--to the fear, the anxiety, the restlessness---He will eat at our table, sharing in our daily bread.

But like a good nutritionist, He will allow us to eat at His table, substituting His peace, His joy, His insight, His relationship with God for our empty calories.  No more "empty calories" for me; I am craving pure energy from good solid food---the Bread of Life!  

Thanks, Michael Pollan, for the insight from the natural world!