These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. . . . They are satisfied with good things. (Ps. 104:27–28)
PIZZA, SUSHI, AND STRING CHEESE. The three different answers reflect the unique personalities of my three kids as they predictably answer a favorite dinner-time question: “If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?”
What would your answer be? Cheeseburgers piled high with garden fresh tomatoes? Kung pao shrimp? Your grandma’s secret-recipe lasagna? Steak burritos from your favorite taquería? Banana splits with hot fudge? (OK, are you salivating yet?)
God could have created us to pop bland, vitamin-like pills to get our daily caloric and nutrient requirements . . . but He didn’t. Instead, He made us with a tongue that can taste bitter, salty, sweet, sour, and umami (a recently identified fifth, meaty taste). He gave us the ability to chew, to crunch, to savor. God designed us to experience pleasure, enjoyment, and satisfaction—not just nutrition—from the food and drinks we consume.
Physical pleasure—from a warm meal, a friend’s warm hug, or sex with your spouse—is a gift from God we should receive with great joy! And it tells us more about our Creator: that He delights in our delight. His provision for us isn’t just mechanical or routine; it’s colorful, flavorful, and full of surprises. So next time you bite into your favorite snack, do something spiritual: Enjoy it!
Break out of the mundane; today, eat with gratitude and delight!
Kelli B. Trujillo is the author of the Flourishing Faith series (Wesleyan Publishing House), devotional studies to fit into the busy lives of women. She also loves hiking and sky-gazing.
