My search for organic tomatoes, in the produce dept. of a TN. Wal-Mart, yielded not a one. Turning to the around 50-year- old male stocking oranges I asked, “Do you have organic tomatoes?”
“Mmmmm, just these little ones right here. Does organic really make a difference?” he asked. I replied smiling, “I’m a retired nurse of over 40 years and appreciate a healthy body, mind and spirit.” (I’ve learned qualifying myself with that comment makes for more interesting conversation.)
Continuing, I said, “Our livers and kidneys filter out most of the damaging elements we breathe in, absorb and digest. I try to eat foods with the least amount of chemicals used to grow them and least amounts of additives to preserve them. Too many people suffer from diseased kidneys and livers. It seems like a good idea to help my body be its best.”
The produce man pressed on with another question, “You mentioned a healthy mind. How do you do that? I had to put my mother in a nursing home. And then, (he sighed), there’s just so much!”
“Do you believe in God?” I asked. “Yes!” he said nodding. “Do you read His amazing promises in the Bible?” He shook his head yes but with a troubled look went on, “But it’s hard to keep those good thoughts in my head. How do you do that?”
“That’s a good question!” I replied. “God’s words are true and powerful to push back the thoughts and contemplations that are lies. Lies are from Satan and God’s words, His promises, are truth. When Jesus was tempted, He used God’s words to push away Satan.” The produce man nodded, “You’re right about that.”
Kindly I continued, “It’s hard to keep the mind’s contemplations focused on what’s true and healthy. When I struggle with a tough issue, I keep God’s written promises in my pocket to look at throughout the day.
I’ve done that while I work. It only takes a few seconds to remind my mind what’s healthy and true. All that healthy truth flows over to a healthier body.”
As the man appeared thoughtful, I said a quick prayer of blessing for him and we both thanked each other for the help given.
Definitions of organic include, “Relating to or derived from living matter. Affecting the structure of an organism.” God, who gave me life, has made available to me His wise living words. Those words, if I choose to contemplate them, provide life to my body, mind and spirit. As I rest in them and in Him, I’m made continually young in Him.