Three Squares a Day (04/09/2025)

“You are what you eat.” This little nugget has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I learned that we need regular meals to not only grow but to maintain our strength and well-being. And when I became a mom, I taught my children this important information – a breakfast, lunch and dinner is necessary for us all – three squares a day. It’s what we need physically. But we’re more than physical beings. What do we need spiritually?

This week, I realized as I watched those ads on Balance of Nature, that just as we need nutrients for our physical well-being, we need the same approach to our spiritual lives – three squares a day – seeking the LORD’s power, presence and will for us as we begin a day, taking time amidst the day in loving conversation with the LORD, and pondering the events of the day prayerfully before sleep. We all need daily spiritual nourishment. We can get it through reading scripture and allowing it to inform our minds and hearts and temper our wills. We can pray for guidance and give praise and thanksgiving for that which the LORD provides for us. We can humbly and silently sit in the LORD’s presence or we can sing the LORD’s praises with joy. Our three squares a day don’t have to look the same every day. But somehow, we must provide nourishment for our spiritual life and growth daily.

As we make our way through the 5th week of Lent, let us take the time to really look at our spiritual “intake” daily. What are we doing to grow our relationship with the LORD? How much time are we spending on our relationship with our LORD?

Just as our physical well-being demands a diet of various foods to get the necessary nutrients, our spiritual well-being demands a variety of experiences. Are we giving ourselves time with the LORD daily? Is our time all about us or does it also bring the needs of others and of our world to the LORD? Is all about “give me” or does it include “send me”? Is it all about what we want or do we seek to know what the LORD wants for us and from us?

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us commit to a minimum of three squares a day – three times a day in communion with our LORD – building our relationship with the LORD. Let us commit to seeking from this time with the LORD “the Way” that leads us to “Life” and to better relationships with one another and with ourselves.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.