Marrow

The first time I talked to Christian about his vegetarianism we were sitting on red rocks at Lake Powell. I shot all the typical questions his way (this hot-headed boy who my sister was in smothering love with) but he shut me down early with his tried-and-true Mormon Response.

"Pray about it Courty."

But I didn't. Not for a long time. Not because I love meat, I've never loved meat, but because I didn't want someone to tell me what to do, much less what to pray for.

Then Stephanie swooned to vegetarianism.

Our sister Page and her caravan of partially red heads followed.

As I watched my sisters lose weight, maintain health and glow (glow!) I decided that maybe it was time for me to pray about the whole "eat meat sparingly" (a concept found in our Word of Wisdom from the Doctrine and Covenants). It was time.

I prayed and received an answer to my prayers. It has been a couple years now that I have tried to eat meat only in times of great need, like when I was pregnant and needed a pastrami. What? I happen to be the most human of my sisters.

I am not writing this post to convert anyone to a diet of meatless vittles only to mention that there is a promise to those who keep this particular health code,

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge even hidden treasures;
And shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint.

I believe this promise today more than ever.

Stephanie had more surgery today for skin grafts. This is her second total skin graft because her body was fighting infection. Doctors assure us that it is typical, but never-the-less problematic. However, they are always quick to also remind us that Steph's body is remarkable, fighting everything that comes her way. Her burns would kill the best of patients, but her otherwise wholesome body is keeping her alive.

Lucy (also, now eating meat sparingly) and I talked about this on our way to get Cafe Rio for lunch. Christian and Steph's dedication to health is inspiring us to treat our bodies better so that they can fight when needed. Like for instance right now, when our lives demand increase energy with absolutely no time for weariness . . . or fainting. . . or sleeping in (good times, will they ever come again?)

Tomorrow I am going to eat a little better. Like, maybe ten less dark chocolate peanut m&ms than I had today. I think a little resolution can go a long way, don't you?


*photo from Nie's Vegetarian Life: Food Week

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