I'm realizing how central food is to our culture. Everything is tied to what and when we are going to eat. This week we have observed Cinco de Mayo, I've attended a banquet for the Chamber of Commerce, celebrated Jason's birthday and am today celebrating Mother's Day. All of these observances seem to have food as the focus. And that's made it a little challenging for me. But I've made it through. Thursday night I sipped tea for 2 hours while surrounded by people eating bacon wrapped chicken, fresh salad, rice and some pretty yummy looking cake. The hardest part about it was feeling left out. I made a smoothie before going, so I wasn't really hungry, but I had to pass the time and engage in conversation while everyone else was busy eating. It helped that the vegetarian entree was not remotely vegan so Krystyn didn't get to eat either. We ended up looking like odd "creative types" but that was probably good for business. Then I went home and made myself yet another smoothie.

Friday night took us to Dan McGuinness as part of Jason's birthday weekend celebration. Fortunately the pub has some excellent beer cheese soup on the menu as well as hearty mashed potatoes so I was in pretty good shape. And there was no leaving me out when it came to beer and shots! Yesterday's cookout was the hardest - baking treats for everyone and smelling the brats on the grill - not easy. Thankfully the Bratchers brought their amazing black bean dip. Not intended to be eaten with a spoon, but it worked for me.

And now Mother's Day. I say I just want to be pampered but really, in my heart of hearts, a holiday like this feels like license to eat whatever I want. It's silly really, why is food my reward? My reward for today should be spending quality time with Emelyn. She is the reason this is a holiday for me, afterall. So I'm working on focusing on that and shifting my thinking from food as an event to food as fuel.

When I examine these thoughts I remember that food, like anything, can be an idol and idolatry is sin plain and simple. God is my daily bread and it's him who fills me up and satisfies me. These are good reminders for me for sure and I pray that God uses this experience to remind me of my need for Him.