We Eat By The Grace Of Nature, Not Industry  –   Michael Pollan in Omnivore’s Dilemma

To say that Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s dilemma has made an impact on my life would be an understatement.  I had an interest in this book because I wanted to learn more about clean eating.  “Clean Eating” is the newest term in the food world.  But I’m beginning to realize that most people including myself are utterly confused about what “clean eating” actually means.  Also what I’m learning is that it means different things to different people.  For me it means knowing where my food is coming from, well as much as possible.  Organic as often as possible and consuming processed foods a little as possible.

The title of this post “Nurtured By Nature” has so many meanings for our homestead lifestyle.  Nurtured by nature on a physical level in regards to the food we eat, but also on spiritual level for the beauty that surrounds us.  I am fully aware that the homestead lifestyle was not the intended perspective for Mr. Pollan’s book, but written words take on different meanings for people.  This is the effect it has had on me…..

Each day I can feel a stronger pull to live a more simple life, a more natural life, a more grateful life.  Does this include my relationship with God?  I can wholeheartedly say yes it does.  By not forgetting to give thanks to God for the gifts he has blessed me with.  A wonderful marriage to a loving husband, healthy and happy children and good family.  Also a roof over our heads with a little land so we can play in the dirt and raise a few animals, but also the skills to take care of ourselves.

“We eat by the grace of nature, not industry”  These words that  Michael Pollan wrote in the Omnivore’s Dilemma rang such a chord with me that I had to replay it over again at least three times.  (As I mentioned in an earlier post I’ve been listening to the book on cd in my car)

We eat by the grace of nature, and we are blessed with nature by the grace of God.  It made me wonder if I have been honestly linking these two most important facts together.  Perhaps I have been thanking for the ability to drive to the grocery store and buy groceries, or the skills to cook those groceries into a meal, I don’t know.  And I’m not implying those aren’t worthy things to be thankful for, they most certainly are.  I’m just saying for me, I haven’t been truly aware of the depth of my blessings or even honestly understanding what I’ve been thanking God for.

Going forth I wonder if I will make a conscious effort to focus on where the food that is nourishing our bodies is coming from and will that give me thankfulness of more specific meaning.  The fact that I’ve recognized this and the lack in which I have shown my gratefulness in my blessings, I simply can not see how it couldn’t.   I also expect that I will gain more pleasure in the processes of living a more simple wholesome life.  I did not expect this book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma to have such a strong impact on me in areas of more than just food.  It’s shocking really, because there are no glaring religious tones in the book.

It left me with a look inside, a reflection of the bigger picture, which for me will always include God.

In the spirit of being fed by nature, which is created by God, and if I’m being honest also in the spirit of Michael Pollan’s writings leading me to a further appreciation of our blessings and our food, I have made the decision that our Easter meal will not only be a celebration of the life of Christ, but also will be made from foods we have harvested in one form or another.  A celebration of God’s love for us.

Till Next Time,

Lori