40 Days of Gratitude - 5th Week of Lent

03-26-2023Weekly ReflectionRev. Emmanuel I. Ihemedu

This week, we will give thanks for the ways we do not live by bread alone (Matthew 4:4). When Jesus suggested that man cannot live by bread alone, he was really talking about Scripture, but it’s also true that we need more than carbohydrates to keep us healthy. This week, we are going to take a look at our favorite foods and give thanks for them.

Sun, Mar 26
SELF-CARE SUNDAY: Share one kind thing you can do for yourself today in thanksgiving for all you have done in the previous week.

Mon, Mar 27
TODAY WE BEGIN BY TAKING STOCK OF OUR FAVORITE FRUITS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WE CAN ONLY GET AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR.
What fruits do you enjoy and look forward to with gratitude?

Tue, Mar 28
SPEND A MOMENT AND GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR FAVORITE VEGETABLES, AND MAYBE EVEN NOTE THE ONES THAT YOU TOLERATE BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU.
Vegetables are a contentious issue for children, and many of us have very strong preferences about what vegetables we like, those we will tolerate, and the ones we’d rather not engage with. Which vegetables are you grateful for?

Wed, Mar 29
TODAY, WE ENCOURAGE YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WORK TOGETHER TO PROVIDE US WITH FRESH FOOD, FROM FARM WORKERS TO THE TRANSPORTATION PEOPLE TO THE GROCERY STORE WORKERS.
After spending two days thinking about foods that we enjoy eating fresh from the farm, it is time to stop and notice the work of our agricultural communities. Today, we give thanks for farms, farm workers, and all those who grow our food. While you might not know a farmer, you likely know how hard they work.

Thu, Mar 30
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SWEET TREATS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR? WHO ARE THE PEOPLE CONNECTED TO THOSE ITEMS.
Today, we reflect on and celebrate our favorite sweet treats. We invite you to give thanks for your favorite sweets, from the item you’ll grab at a coffee shop to a special desert (tiramisu) made for a celebration.

Fri, Mar 31
TODAY, WE WANT YOU TO REFLECT ON ALL OF THE RECIPES THAT CONNECT YOU.
For many of us, reflecting with gratitude on what we eat isn’t complete without giving thanks for our beloved recipes. From recipes handed down for your ancestors, to recipes that delight your loved ones now, what are those special dishes that connect you to your community and great cloud of witnesses that bring you joy simply remembering them? For those we give thanks.

Sat, Apr 1
TODAY, WE INVITE YOU TO REFLECT ON ALL THE FOOD ADVENTURES YOU’VE HAD, BOTH GOOD AND NOT SO GOOD.
Trying new foods can be fun, terrifying, and a great story later. What things did you try that surprised you and became a favorite? What things did you try while traveling that you’ve never encountered again?

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