Red Pill, Blue Pill, no Food, no thrill… (Daily Prompt)

by michelle w. on June 4, 2013

If you could get all the nutrition you needed in a day with a pill — no worrying about what to eat, no food preparation — would you do it?

Photographers, artists, poets: show us NOURISHMENT.

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“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name… and give us this day our Daily Pill…” Erm… no, I could never do that in a Sunday service! Picture the scene- da Vinci’s Last Supper painting… (No Dan Brown, not your version… 🙂 ) Jesus leans over to the young John the Apostle, and hands him… a red pill… “Think of Me…”

As a pastor, I do write from a Christian perspective. And so much of the ministry of Jesus took place around meals shared together, like the breaking of bread as a Christian feast of remembrance. In my own life, it is the one thing I love above most others- to share a meal with friends. It is part of my being. Every Friday evening I light a barbeque fire at home, and enjoy a “Braai” with some friends. Every Sunday, if possible, I love to cook a “Potjie”- a meal in a cast iron pot that is part of being an African.

What would the joy be in arriving home, and then quickly go and swallow your daily pill, be it red or blue… No thanks, not for me.

As we travelled to Cape Town last weekend, we shared some amazing times with old friends around mealtimes. There was this wonderful Friday evening in Stellenbosch. It was raining, like most of the weekend. We went to Java Café, and sat outside on the sidewalk, underneath some awnings. Some heaters provided the necessary warmth.

We enjoyed some red wine together… and then the pills arrived… that just do not sound right, does it? No, we need time together to enjoy the conversation while the meal is prepared. What do the Irish call this- the “Craic” . No, you simply can not do the craic around any color of pill…

But, when the wine is served, and the meal is ordered, THEN the best times of our lives comes alive. Then new memories are made, old friendships are deepened.

Nourishment is much more than taking in the correct amount of minerals and vitamins.

Let me show you…

Ok, not my best photo ever. But a street in Stellenbosch known for it’s fine dining establishments… Like Java Café in Church Street.

Old friends sharing new memories…

So, rather than a Blue Pill, how about a succulent Lamb Burger? With some deep fried onion rings,chips (French fries for the USA friends) and the lamb with feta cheese on a freshly baked Portuguese roll?

Or, in the place of the Red pill, why not take in your proteins in the form of Lamb Kebabs, with a nice salad? And some potato wedges on the side?

I can, for the life of me, not think about one enjoyable pill I have ever taken. But there was thousands of happy times around meals. Shared with family, and shared with friends. I love eating the food someone has prepared with love for me. And I love cooking for the family and friends I love, pouring my love and happiness into the meal I will serve them.

Well, something in our kitchen smells very good at the moment. Afterwards Australian Masterchef is on the telly- our favorite TV program. So enjoy your blue pill tonight!