Why Does it Matter?

So some of you may be thinking, Melissa, why does it matter whether I eliminate toxins from my home, food, and environment? Who cares about 'healthy' food - I'm in university, we're supposed to eat crap! Why does it matter if I make things myself instead of buying it from the store? Why does it matter if I shut off the lights when I leave the room or choose to put an extra blanket on my bed instead of turning up the heat? Why does it matter if I compost and recycle? Why would I spend my money on organic sheets or fair trade chocolate?

OK, maybe some of you weren't wondering quite exactly that,  but for those of you who are (or are now), I want to take a second and explain why on earth any of this even enters my mind. So if you want to find out, grab a cup of tea and prepare yourself...here goes.

I get questions and comments from people in my life all the time, whether they are family, friends, or random people in class. Sometimes they think it's cool that I brought almonds to class in a reusable sandwich bag. But most of the time, I'm pretty sure people think I'm a little nuts or have these impractical, larger-than-life, dreamy notions that will require me to marry rich. To be honest, for a while I was kind of self-conscious about it all. I mean, almost no one in my life was worried about what they used to clean their windows in high school. And I certainly didn't know a soul who was making their own deodorant. It was a little quirky, and I was ok with that, but it just seemed to be such a big deal and required a whole explanation to bring it up and end the discussion with the other person still believing I was mostly normal, so I shied away from talking about it. Even today, people will tell me flat out that I'm dumb. Somewhere along the lines, though, I got over it. I'm sure a big part of it was just growing up, finding my groove, and doing my own thing.

But back to the original question, why do I care?

That time when I was 17 and Wes had a furry animal growing on his head ;) 

It's good stewardship. 
I believe that everything I have has been given to me by God. I want to use my resources to the best of my abilities, so that I can bring Him glory, and serve others. For me, that means making a wise use of these things. I consider what food I eat, what products and medications I use, how much sleep I get, and so on because I only have one body and I want to be able to use it well (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I want to take care of the planet, because it's not mine to destroy. It was lovingly designed for all people to enjoy and care for (Nehemiah 9:6). I try to be wise with my money and possessions, because they weren't designed to control me and fuel my own selfishness (trust me, I need no help) (Matthew 6:19-21), but to provide for my needs and those of others. I only have one life to live, and I want to use it well.

When I was talking to one of my aunts during the writing of this post, I think she summed this all up well, "it [the decay in the world - ill health caused by food and its effects, etc.], is a macro reminder of how God created Creation to work in unity and in unison. Respectfully…With a servant’s heart…Mutuality. It is likely not the sexiest reason, but it all matters and we should not or need not be wasteful with what we have. We try to live a life of generosity AND simplicity. To me it is impossible to do either without prioritizing natural living." Annnnnd...Amen.

I feel better. 
When I take the time to care for my body, I am more free to be the best me I can be. I notice a tangible difference in the way I feel,  the amount of energy I have, how alert I am, etc. Being energetic allows me to put more into being a good teacher, student, friend, family member. When I am taking care of myself, I get sick less often (very rarely, actually), and don't need to waste time dealing with that. My skin is better, I sleep better, and my mood is better. I could go on for a LONG time on this one. I'll spare you that because I'm sure you get the point ;)

I feel better when I am being wise with my money. I mean, as a student, every dollar saved is one I don't have to pay off later. While it involves a LOT of delayed gratification, the thought of paying of school debt is pretty daunting so I get pretty excited about that haha. Saving money where I can, also frees up more money for the things that are most important in life. The more 'flex dollars' I have (as I like to think of them), the more I can choose where those dollars go instead of spending them on fixed expenses like face wash or deodorant that I have to buy at regular intervals.

Once you know...
I have this reoccurring problem where I find out something is toxic or unhealthy, or find a way to make a product more easily myself, and it drives me CRAZY after that. It's actually really annoying. I keep hearing myself tell friends, "don't research it unless you are ready to change it...because you might have to after that!" haha. Am I the only one who has this problem?

All that being said, the same reasoning provides a basis for grace and moderation. This idea of responsibility, stewardship, and mutuality. Not everyone makes the same choices, has the same priorities, or has access to the same things (either by money or location). That's OK! There is more to life than being physically healthy or saving every possible penny or being a perfectly responsible citizen.

As the professor in my Inclusive Education class said, "the human always comes first." The context of the discussion was that while it's great to have a schedule, a plan, and a direction in your classroom, every student is exceptional and people come before all our teacher-y plans. I think that statement translates into every area of life though. Ultimately, our bodies won't last forever and our money and possessions won't come with us when we die. Loving others is SO much more important. That is our real responsibility, I think. At the end of my life, I don't want people talking about how eco-friendly my home was, or how great I was at making own soap. I want to be known as someone who served others, as someone who loved deeply, and as someone was God's love in action to those around me. I so often fall short of this standard - most of the time, in fact. But my heart's desire is that none of this natural living stuff would come between me and the people God has placed in my life.

Do I eat real, whole foods? Sure. Sometimes. But other days I eat the unhealthy food my housemate brings home from the day care she works at because it's free and I'm craving carbs. Just last night I went to McDonald's with my housemates and got a McFlurry. And it was DELICIOUS! Do I make my own face wash? Yes, and I love it! But I also put mousse, gel, and/or hairspray in my hair all the time - because goodness knows I'm not about to anger the beast on top of my head if at all possible. It's not about measuring, comparing, or an all-or-nothing lifestyle.

So let's not let our food, our Pinterest boards, our level of DIY skills, or what kind of shampoo we use be a source of judgement - whether that is "I can't believe they eat that organic food all the time, it's so obnoxious," or, "why are they eating ice cream for supper? Don't they know that sugar shuts down your immune system?" Whatever kind of judgement you have for someone else on something as silly as this, get rid of it people! Life is bigger than that.

Ahem. I will now step off my soapbox.