Lean Cuisine

Lean Cuisine meals seem to be a busy single woman's best friend. It's good food that is pretty inexpensive and barely requires any preparation (slice open the plastic cover, pop in the microwave for a few minutes, eat) or cleanup (throw in the trash, wash fork). However, eating Lean Cuisines, which I've done quite frequently this year, has always left something to be desired.

Lean Cuisines are just too lean. They require so little thought and effort that they leave me completely disconnected from what I am eating. Waiting a few minutes for one to cook in the microwave can't compare to the delicious anticipation that comes with measuring, mixing, simmering, and stirring. I don't have to ask anyone for my food, and have no one in particular to thank for providing it for me. Tossing the black plastic tray into the trash can is certainly convenient, but it leaves no time for digesting my food and dinner time thoughts over the familiar routine of washing dishes. And when all is said and done, a few bite-sized pieces of chicken and some rice, no matter how tasty, still leave me feeling hungry.

Quick. Easy. Affordable. Good and good for you. What more could a girl want?

O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands as call on your name. My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast... Psalm 63:1-5

How often do I settle for spiritual food that is quick, easy, and affordable? I'll read a few verses, whisper a one sentence prayer, call that quiet time and get on with my day. I'll listen to a sermon, then tuck it away in my mind's "good things I heard once upon a time" file before I take any time to ruminate on it. I'll much too readily accept someone else's pre-packaged ideas of what faith should look like rather than putting in my own elbow grease to read, study, analyze, synthesize. Sure, there's some food in my stomach, and it will probably get me by; but in the end, I am left feeling disconnected, isolated, and hungry.

I crave that rich feast, the abundant food and drink that God offers to satisfy my soul. Such a feast will not be found in my grocer's freezer section. It will not be quick, easy, or affordable, but it will certainly be good, healthy, and lasting. It's time to get cookin'.