By Rick Sarre of Beulah Park, South Australia

And you will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to render to every man, according to that which is his due.

I have two very strong recollections about eating particular treats. No, they were not the meals that capture Michelin star ratings in fancy French restaurants, nor the sorts of dishes prepared by celebrity chefs that attract millions of viewers on popular television series. Rather, I recall two offerings that were lovingly prepared and did not seek to impress.

The first was in the Philippines many years ago. My partner and I were the guests of gracious hosts who were keen to feed us fish caught locally and vegetables grown in their garden. It was only after we had been fed and indicated that we needed nothing more, that the host family then ate the simple, but superb, meal.

The second was at a youth camp where our delegation had been asked to prepare the late-night snack. We baked our own bread and offered it up with nothing more than unsalted butter. I can still remember to this day how delicious it was.

It has often been said that we should live simply so that others can simply live. We should remember, too, that the simplest of meals are often those that offer the greatest joy.

Prayer Phrase

“Creation itself will be set free” (Romans 8:21).

Spiritual Practice

Holy Attention

Spend a few moments paying attention wherever you are. Notice what draws your focus surrounding you. Look more closely at detail and color. Notice what pulls or prods within you. How is the God-in-all-things speaking to you through what you see and feel right here, right now?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.