Eating (Or Not Eating) For Others

Our house church recently went on a weekend retreat at our family's cabin where we spent 3 days relaxing, discussing, playing Farkle, and hearing one another's stories.  A very moving moment was when one of our community members shared about her struggle with a medical condition she has had her entire life and the constant battle and mental energy taken to counteract its effects through extreme diet and life changes.  After sharing her story some of the members of the group decided to stand in solidarity with her and experience her diet.  I went shopping with my wife the other day at the grocery store to prepare for the diet and was surprised at how rigorous the diet actually was.  She couldn't eat any meat, dairy, wheat, gluten, sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.   75% of what she eats is supposed to be Raw. (uncooked)  And she is supposed to eat a lot of fiber which translates for her into eating ground flax seeds and fiber meal.  (Yum!)  

To be honest, I told Marta that I don't think I could do this for a month.  I am kind of finicky when it comes to food and in general have a hard time sacrificing or changing my daily routines for others.  But I am both proud and envious of my wife's commitment to her friend.  I am positive that this is a perfect picture of the kingdom of God and beautifully illustrates the love and commitment we should strive to have for one another.  So I will let Marta know that even though I am taunting her from across the table with a piece of chocolate or some savory steak and good wine, I greatly respect her.