Proverbs 12:27
Eating is more than ingesting calories. We
can learn something about another person when we observe their eating patterns.
We can learn this even in our society that is increasingly choosing prepackaged
and fast food.
During the time this proverb was written
hunting meant more than racing through the WalMart aisle trying to find the
latest sale item. Hunting for game required planning, and lots of time waiting.
Walking for hours or even days was not uncommon in pursuit of some meat. When
the hunt was over, there was relief. Starvation was held off for a few more
days.
If they didn’t cook the food it meant they
were desperate for food. They were a culture living on the edge. The next meal
was never a given. They had no reserves. Perhaps they had no meat at all and
meat is a good source of protein. But it takes effort to have meat.
But for the wise people, they put in the effort
and planning to obtain meat. They were not desperate and eating could take on
added dimensions. So when the hunt was successful, all the family rejoiced. They
rejoiced in God’s provision. They paused and recognized how fragile life is and
gave the LORD thanks.
Haste denies the purpose of eating together.
It is not simply about calorie consumption and holding of starvation. It is
about togetherness and connection to each other.
I think one of the most challenging aspects
of our modern life is the pace of events which we tackle. We have so many
things going on that we don’t have time to sit and relax and enjoy each other.
I find this especially true for families with kids involved in sports.
We don’t want our kids to miss out, so we
sign them up for everything, which means we are signed up to take them to
everything. All our “free” time is spent riding in a car and waiting for the
activity to be completed. We arrive home just in time to collapse into bed and
start the cycle again the next day.
Wise people are able to enjoy the riches of
life, not just the physical riches, but the riches of relationships with
others. They plan and execute life, making choices that allow them to slow down
and relax. They recognize the value of Sabbath, the rest we have in Christ.