Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 6:31-33 (CEV)
Dairy-free, wheat/gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, seed-free. The words just rolled off the tongue of the nutritionist last week. I felt hit by a tidal wave as I listened to her explain Mark’s new elimination/rotation diet for the next six months. I have a degree in home ec so this shouldn’t be a big deal but the ramifications of these dietary restrictions seemed overwhelming to both of us. Retirement means many things but menu planning and cooking are not high on my list. Going out to dinner is much more fun. It seems that just when life begins to get comfortable, God initiates a change of plans. Over the past months, I keep learning that He wants me to depend on Him for each detail of my life—even down to what we are going to eat each day.
It is amazing the food options that are now available for those with food sensitivities. I can only imagine how difficult this would have been a few years ago. We are learning options, reading labels, making mistakes but trudging along this new path. Mark is trying new things—some tasty and some not. Good thing he was not a picky eater before all this began. We even have restaurant options. He knows that ultimately, he will feel much better and with this hope, we keep going.
God’s plan for us is much the same. He challenges us with new opportunities to grow and trust Him. Sometimes we try to go our own way ending up with a stumble and fall. Other times, the communion with Him is sweet as we walk in the light and He warms our hearts with His love. Whether it is three steps forward and two back, we have the assurance that each step brings us closer to Home.
I will update you on occasion about this new chapter at the Blumbergs. Eat hearty!