Waste not, want not

REALITY CHECK

For those of you who do not know, scavengers are those living organism that feed on food particles that have been left by other animals. They are Nature’s way of keeping the environment clean and preventing wastage of food, which is quite effective and impressive! These animals may include vultures which feed on that meat on the carcasses that are left after the lions have had their grand meals. Ants are also one of the most important scavengers; they will literally clear away anything that comes their way. You must have observed that several times, especially during the summer months!

I consider my mom a scavenger, too! A very thoughtful one! You must be thinking that I am crazy, but it’s the truth! Most of the time she has to finish up stuff that is left by my younger siblings. She does not eat freshly cooked food until the leftovers from the previous day’s meal are finished! I am sure you must have observed this with your mothers, too!

Once, at a party, a young girl took too much food, and ended up leaving a mess on the plate eventually. Her caring mom had to finish it up as she did not want the hosts to feel bad. And, most importantly, she did not want the food to be wasted!

In ceremonies like weddings, where it is not possible for moms to finish off their offspring’s food all the time, many people including even the adults, end up leaving a large amount of food untouched on their plates. 

I am sure all mothers dislike this waste of food and instill it in our minds to not waste food. ‘Take only as much as you can eat!’ was the rule my mom enforced. Hence, I always take a small portion and go for a second helping if I feel I want more. My mom claims that she when we were babies she used to eat our leftover cereals, mashed bananas, potatoes. That, of course, meant she did not have her own regular food, but she opted to eat our leftovers to avoid wastage of food! Bless you Ammi Jan!

I remember going to a wedding with my mom. When the food was served, other ladies at my mom’s table heaped their plates with all the dishes that were on the menu. My mom, as usual, only took her regular portion, which seemed meager to those ladies. My mom told them that she had only taken what she could finish.

I have been told that my mom’s grandma was very strict regarding leaving the table with a plate which still had food. My mom said that in her presence no one dared to leave their seats until their plates were clear.

We all should at least try to finish our meals properly, and to guide our younger siblings to not leave food on the plate. Why do a thing that is displeasing to God?