Rice Challenge Day One

We started at our faith community Sojourn a "Five Day Rice Challenge." To read more detailed account of it, go to my friend's blog: www.rickcourt.com. I have been eating rice and small piece of chicken for lunch and dinner. So okay, I'm hungry. My wife suggested that I go to bed early so I won't think about how hungry I am. I need to eat less, I already know this. I just miss my second serving of food, possibly third. I don't care if it is rice and beans; I just wanted more of it. In fact, I liked my oatmeal for breakfast; rice for lunch, and my rice, beans, and one piece of chicken for dinner. Yes, I am reporting on what I have eaten. I miss my snack at night after the kids go to bed, bowl of popcorn, graham crackers with milk. Wow, I need to stop whining. As I shared with my kids, this is giving me opportunity to empathetically understand others who wonder if they will have another meal. I take for granted what I have especially at meal times. Wow, I eat like there is no tomorrow. For some there is no more tomorrow because they do not have a next meal. I guess what I am hearing is that need to slow down. "Slow down" - there is a novel concept, a novel way to live. Slow down to appreciate what I have right in front of you: family, food, conversation, and laughter. That is what I did tonight, chewed every bean, listened to every story, and laughed as we sat and wondered what it would be like to live in another country where food is scarce.