Why We Do What We Do--Part 1

We are not purists, here at the Winkler household.

When it comes to food sources and products we use, our efforts to go green and natural have happened very gradually over the last 5 years. Slowly but surely, change has come, and hopefully we've maintained a healthy attitude of balance throughout.

Before all of this began, I confess that when I heard the word "organic" I immediately thought "food snob", and mentally dismissed the issue with a "what's the big deal anyway". My husband was the first to look into the matter, and when he said he'd like to find a source for hormone-free beef I just went along with it.

Later, we began watching documentaries and films like SUPER-SIZE ME, FOOD INC., and THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MONSANTO, reading books like PASTURED POULTRY PROFITS, and THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, and asking questions of our farmer friends.

We learned what certain labels on our food meant, and which claims were misleading. (For example: "Hormone-Free" really only applies to beef, because, by law, poultry and pigs are not allowed to receive hormones. So when you see this claim on a package of chicken, it means absolutely nothing.)

We learned about the digestive systems of animals, the importance of "salad" in their diet, the value of certain grains, and just as important if not moreso, the way the animals are processed.

Along with all of this information, we have been conscious of the natural tendency we all have to drift to extremes. To fear, disallusionment, obsessiveness, and self-suffiency. "Self-sufficiency?" you ask. Yes. Because when we are dependant solely on ourselves for our health and well-being, we will be frustrated. Being wise stewards of our physical bodies needs to flow out of trust in our True Sustainer. Even the most healthy body is still a finite body that will fail. But, neither is that an excuse to toss the issue aside, as if the physical condition of our body and what we choose to put into it isn't also a spiritual issue.

This article, CAN NATURAL LIVING BECOME AN IDOL, addresses what TRULY is most important if you too are pursuing this kind of lifestyle. My husband and I have been conscious that our children are taking their cues from us. So how we talk about certain foods will be repeated. The challenge is to use words that truthfully and adequately explain why some foods are better for our bodies, without giving our children "ammunition" to (knowingly or unknowingly) blast others who choose differently. We want them to appreciate natural, healthy foods without a superiority complex. (We want this for ourselves!)

Things we've wrestled with:
1. When given the opportunity to host or provide a meal for someone, are we tempted to keep our "good" meat for ourselves, or do we wish to bless our friends with our best?
2. When discussing our food choices with others, do we model humility, or do we hinder fellowship because we are consciously or unconsciously forcing our views on them?
3. Are we tempted to buy "organic" at the expense of our budget? Are we tithing regularly and giving generously to those in need, or have we elevated our food budget beyond what it should be?
4. When eating a meal that someone else has provided, do we model thankfulness and tact, or do we turn up our nose and slight them by refusing what they've prepared?
5. Are we prone to fear? Has "healthy food" become our highest goal and gospel?

Some of you will read these posts and struggle with frustration, because you desire to make changes, but for whatever reason you cannot. For others, it's TOO MUCH INFORMATION--and not knowing feels better. I understand. I've been in all of these positions.

I urge you to press on. To continue to trust in God's provision, in all seasons. To be content where He has you. Natural Living will look different for all of us. We have varying bank accounts, geographical demographics, possibilities and priorities, but I hope these posts inform and encourage you.