Day 5
The ritual of meal-time has suffered a devolution - it has become an archaic notion. Food is something portable and convenient that we ingest when we can squeeze it in between the many concerns fighting for our daily attention. Somewhere along the way we've decided that cooking is a non-essential skill, that eating together isn't practical. Trading valuable time at the table and in the kitchen for TV dinners, vending machines, microwaveables and drive-thru windows, we want to be fed without schedule interference. Why? We have become extremely busy. In fact, we feel guilty if we are not busy. There is no longer any ceremonial requirement of us in our mealtimes save for a quick silent nod of thanks seconds before devouring our meal.
Small change? Today whenever you eat, join with others and say or sing grace. As you eat and talk, do nothing else to distract you from the experience.
Prayer: God who prepares the feast, stir patience and gratitude into our hearts. Amos 8:4-8, 11-12
Canadians eat a fast food meal 3 - 4 times a week (twice while driving), and spend a total of 46 minutes each day cooking AND eating.
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