That Pineapple Was Terrible!

So bad in fact, that it left a lasting impression on my perspective   about where my food comes from.

A few weeks ago, we bought some pineapples. As we were cutting into one of them, we thought that maybe it was not fully ripe; the flesh was lighter in color than we normally see.

But surprisingly, the first few chunks I ate were sweet and juicy.

But then I noticed that some pieces had a funny smell that reminded me of the smell of anatomy lab...Gross!

Others had a funny flavor - bitter and chemical tasting. Hmm...

Curious, I had a look online to find out what could be behind that unnatural smell and flavor.

What I read was enough to make even more changes in the way our family selects food for our table.

The main thing that left an impression on me was the condition of the workers who plant and harvest the fruit. Twelve hour shifts, six day work weeks, repetitive labor, high demands, low wages...

That would leave very little time for personal growth and development, wouldn't It?

Pineapples are on the "Clean 15" list so we were buying them non-organic to save money.

However, after eating that pineapple, I noticed that my thinking was a bit muddled and my memory was less sharp. That's a problem!

I was deeply impressed with the thought: If pesticides compromise my body in any way, it means my mind is being compromised also. There is an intimate connection between our bodies and minds. When one is affected, the other sympathises.

I'll pass on the $3.99 pineapple! When I consider the cost to my body and to the workers involved in the planting and harvesting of the fruit, they are not such a savings after all.

Let me do unto others as I would have them do unto me. If the situation were reversed, I would want someone to care and to do something.

I'm thankful for the experience because it is causing me to choose something much better.

What is better?

Homegrown and locally grown produce, in it's proper season, and grown without chemicals.

When food does come from a distance, my choice os for foods that have been grown and harvested in a fair and honest manner.

Fortunately our local grocery store carries fair trade bananas, so my little one will still be able to enjoy them.

Other than that, if I can't find it, I won't eat it. That's it.

I love all kinds of fresh produce, but I'm guessing that a lot of things are going to have to wait until heaven. But that is ok. Jesus Himself is waiting until we are at the great marriage supper with Him in heaven before He has grape juice again. I can hardly wait!

But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. Matthew 26: 29