a little perspective

going to school for dietetics lends itself to many, many lectures and discussions on the obesity epidemic. how we live in a "toxic environment' and the wide variety of factors led to this epidemic. but then we have weeks like the past few where one of my classes has discussed food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. statistics on those who don't know where their next meal is coming from and an excerpt from one who tried to ration a collection of seven peas for two meals is incredibly eye-opening and gut-wrenching. how is it that I always seem to have TOO much food, whether or not I am trying to "budget" and save money for tuition? seven peas. that's all I can say.

so after being tested on all this information this week, I went to the salvation army canteen last night. I was humbled by those who were so grateful for a hat, scarf, or gloves. at one of the stops I started talking with a woman I've seen there numerous times before. she began telling me about all the books she's read and I became mesmerized. this woman knew so much. she could tell me the life story of several presidents, whose biographies she'd recently read. she could tell me the true story about a shipwreck that occurred due to a 10 degree directional mishap and how that shipwreck changed laws and standards about such things. she told me about inspirational stories she's read on those making differences in countries around the world and how these touch her heart. bring her to tears. about social injustice and conditions that upset her. and I just stood there listening, flabbergasted. this woman had just told me how she didn't like to check books out of the library for fear she'd ruin them if it rained, as she was homeless. and her heart could break for the less fortunate?

a dose of perspective.

I went on to a friend's house after that and enjoyed wonderful conversation, delicious food and warm place to do so....

in one of my very favorite book series' ever, one of the character states, after a near-disaster: "we could've been killed! or worse...expelled!"  the next scene flashes to another character whispering under his breath, "she seriously needs to sort out her priorities."

I'm not sure if I really have a point, but I don't want to have a skewed perspective. I don't want to focus on what I don't have rather than what I do have. I don't want to forget those less fortunate. because it seems a huge injustice to have so many with too much to eat and huge houses with too much space while others walk down the streets in the winter with their five bags filled with all the possessions they own, in search of a safe place to sleep. I don't want to forget that. I don't want to become comfortable when so many are not.

on that note, I am thankful for this wonderful family (picture: christmas 2009).



nutrition tip comes from this audrey hepburn quote that is mega-convicting to me...

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."