I just had a delightful little conversation with E about the meat that we eat.  I try to teach her that we should be thankful for our food, especially for the meat which must shed blood so that we can eat.

Me: We’re going to have chicken for dinner.

E: I like chicken.

Me: We eat lots of chicken and meat. We eat cows…

E: Their milk.

Me: Yes, their milk and also their meat.  We eat birds too.  The farmer kills the cows and chickens and we get to eat them.  That’s why we thank God for our meals, because that animal had to die so we could get our vitamins and protein.

E: (Figuring it out) But we have to leave some birds so that we can say ‘Hi little birdie’.

Me: Exactly

I love teaching that our meat, that is packaged so neatly in plastic wrap and labeled so brightly comes from an animal that lived, breathed and loved.  I hope she understands that almost  impossible process that a farmer must go through in order to have dinner on their tables (and ours).  How else can I impart the respect for God’s creation and the gentle structure of our earth if I cannot teach her the basics of food?

Ahhhh, I love summer for the meaningful talks that arise over fresh produce and scribbles with chalk on the sidewalk.