Every Living Thing

Only a few people know it, but deep down I really love animals. From the smallest to the greatest, they absolutely fascinate me. At the end of the night, right before bed, I often find myself watching videos of them in their habitat. Recently I watched a video of a whale swimming up towards the surface mouth wide open turning a school of fish into its next meal. It reminded me of the scripture that tells us God gives food to every living thing. He has designed the world so that all animals have a food source. And yet, I can't tell you how much time I used to spend meal planning and prepping when that time would have been better spent drawing closer to God. It took me years to realize that half of the work I was doing was going to waste. I'd prep and plan, but each day had its own surprises. On Sunday my sister might invite me over for a meal I'd been craving. On Tuesday a coworker would send a text, I've got Japanese food, meet me in the cafeteria. On Thursday I'd stop by to see my brother and he'd send me home with something tasty (fresh off the grill) and by the next Sunday my other sister would be inviting me to my favorite breakfast spot. Half of what I prepped and planned for went unused and sometimes became trash. In my mind I was just being responsible, but whether I had time to meal prep or not, I never went hungry.  

Rising prices and limited resources can push people into habitual behaviors that absorb our time, leaving very little room for us to see God's goodness in our lives. Of course you need food in the house and you should prepare to some level, but it's important that you leave room for God to bless you as well. He wants to show up for you, but you've got to give Him space to do so. 

Just remember, plans are fine, but run them by God before you execute. And when he answers, let him guide you. As you grow stronger in faith, your own plans will become less and less important to you and you will get into a routine that facilitates His plan for your life. That's where the green pastures are and where you will see Him giving you the secret petitions of your heart.