What follows are some thoughts that came forth after I was pondering our growth as people of faith. We don't start out with the heavy stuff (meat and potatoes). We start out with spiritual milk but it is always God's intention that our diet becomes more complex. God does not plan for any of us to keep drinking from a bottle...eventually we develop a set of teeth and the ability to feed ourselves. We learn how to hold a knife and fork and are expected to use them in order to put nutritious things to our lips.
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When a child learns to eat solid food:
- Stages or levels of food introduction -- milk, cereal, vegetables, fruit, meat -- definite order!
- Pieces are cut into small bites
- Attention is given to how difficult the food item is to chew and swallow
- Small portions
- Variety offered
- Child encouraged to taste but not forced to partake or finish
- Typically offered items of nutritional value vs. junk food
- Understood that the child will prefer some things over others
- Also understood that the child may be reluctant or flat out refuse to try something -- especially if it looks, feels, smells or tastes weird, unusual or different from normal menu
- Will still turn back to familiar (milk) for comfort and satisfaction, especially early on
- Food is adjusted as child gains more teeth - chewing ability
- Child will eventually prefer solids to milk - greater satisfaction - hunger needs met more efficiently
- More nutrition received when partaking from all the food groups vs. just milk
- Growth internal and external is result
- Beware of sweet tooth!
Father, You are the God who provides. You do not withhold milk or solids from me. And yet, I confess that I do not always turn to You when I am empty and hungry. Help me to be honest with You about my spiritual diet. Show me where I am in this process. Give me a fresh awareness of what I am feeding myself. Create in me the desire to feast on your Word and to dine in your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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