Slow Down

Today's reflection discusses feasting and the traditions created behind the feast, recipes passed down, and how Lent gives us time to reflect on what we do and why we do it.

I'd like to challenge anyone reading this blog to choose one day during Lent, and slow down.  Live the day consciously.  If you're eating, smell the scents the food gives off; take a bite, and hold it in your mouth; taste the food before you chew it, and chew slowly, allowing the tastes to become full.  As you swallow, allow your minds eye to follow the marvelous creation God has wrought that allows us to be self-sustaining, that fills our bellies with food that becomes the fuel and energy that allows us to move.

When you speak with someone, give their words your whole attention.  Don't rush ahead to what you're going to say in response, but listen to them.  Listen to what they don't say as well, for that can sometimes be just as important.  Anyone who has or works with children knows that children are often satisfied with part of your attention - but given the whole of your attention, they flourish and blossom before your very eyes.

As you walk, stop looking at the ground and look up and around you.  When was the last time you noticed and thanked God for His creation?  When was the last time you realized the beauty and thought that went into creating an ecosystem that certainly cannot be an accident? 

And when you follow the liturgy of morning prayer or the Eucharist service, think about the tradition behind it, the care that was taken to choose those exact words - give the same care to your speaking of the words.

As you slow down, and appreciate with all of your senses, acknowledging not just with your mind, but with your heart, you'll become aware of the Feast that is offered every day at the table of God.