An empty feeling

Have you been wondering what it would be like to live as a refugee or as someone from a poverty-stricken nation? Last week our staff, pastors and elders tried out the 5-Day Hunger Challenge with their families, and many found  it more difficult than they imagined. Others didn’t go hungry, but longed for food that was more varied and satisfying. You can read all the comments posted so far in the Message Board.

Here’s one from earlier today:

I emptied our refrigerator of everything for 5 days except for one big tub of cooked beans and one bowl of rice.  I set the oatmeal, 1 bottle of olive oil and 3 spice bottles by the stove.  That was all I used.

I stayed out of the pantry all week, and every time I opened the fridge, I saw the same options for lunch and dinner.  It help sensitize me to what little choices the oppressed and hungry have, and the endless variety available to me. Plus, I have clean water out of the faucet to drink and wash with, a warm comfortable bed to sleep in, and I am healthy.

I keep thinking about those hungry people- they are not just lacking food options, but their portions are much smaller every day, and they are thirsty and often cold and sick as well. My desire is for God to give me a heart of gratitude for all I have and not to take anything in my life for granted. I want to live with less and less and reach out even more to those in need. I pray this desire will never fade for me or for the rest of us after we return to “normal”.

May we never be normal again!