Day 1 turns into Day 0... (and bridal showers)

I had the pleasure of preparing and serving food for a bridal shower and tea luncheon on Saturday. We had so much leftover food - even after giving much of it away to the attendees to take home. I couldn't bear to throw it out, especially considering the fact that I'm trying to raise awareness about the prevalence of poverty and hunger in Nicaragua and elsewhere in the world. So, I've eaten that for leftovers today and I also had a modified rice and beans lunch at the GET luncheon (Sunday). Matt and I will just have to formally start our compassion diet tomorrow (Monday).

The shower was a lovely time, and I had fun preparing the food (and eating it too!). I am sharing some pictures of the food from the shower... we had mini-quiches, several varieties of tea sandwiches, empanadas, scones, cupcakes, cookies, fruit, and tea. I will now refrain from having any fantastic snacks like that for the rest of the week!

 

 

The other side of my brain feels differently, though. I guess I still struggle with guilt and other mixed feelings about things like this, like whenever I splurge on a meal while knowing other families can barely put food on the table. I think it's fine (and good!) to sometimes be lavish, and to celebrate and honor people with food and other gifts. There's absolutely a place for that, in every culture. But I think we should also try to be balanced and mindful of others who might be in need. I'm not sure what action I am supposed to take as a result of these thoughts, but they are just some thoughts.

How about you? Do you ever struggle with this? How do you find balance between generosity to those in need and luxury for ourselves? Should we seek to find balance?