Flavor

Let’s just say I was a difficult child when it came to eating.  With a very limited menu of food items that I would consume, I’m sure it was frustrating for both my mother and father.  Fortunately, (or maybe unfortunately) the today me is not as fussy.  While my choices in the past were either a bologna and sweet pickle or cheese (Velveeta) and pickle sandwich (with butter only and white bread), my flavor palette has definitely increased!   I’m now more open to at least trying new flavors and different foods.  When my husband and I decide that we’re going out for a meal, that is part of the easiest decision.  The most “stressful” is deciding where we want to eat.  It may take days, after each of us suggesting numerous restaurants.  I used to do a food blog a few years ago called Yummy Reservations and Delightful Destinations, which started because we loved trying new restaurants and experiencing different flavors, everything from Asian to Seafood and more.  Even when we’re cooking at home, I’m always looking for new recipes to try.  Don’t you think it’s one of those senses that God gave us – taste – that we take for granted?  If we didn’t experience the thousands of flavors that awaken both our soul and palette, how much joy would we lose in sitting down to a meal, and being more aware that our Lord is responsible for creating all its components.  Many of us are fast eaters, including me.  When we’re hungry we lift that fork to our mouths and before we know it our plate is clean.  Maybe we need to appreciate more God’s gift of taste.  Savor more of the bites of food we are taking, appreciate the many people that had a hand in our experiencing so many flavors.  When we take a sip of wine or that first cup of tea or coffee in the morning, stop and say a prayer for the joy we get from all the flavors God has allowed us to experience.  I know – our lives are busy.  There are so many little things we miss during our days, most of them seem insignificant and we wouldn’t think would make a difference.  But God wants us to experience His joy!  Whether it’s through the taste of a homemade apple pie with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and delicious warm apples, or the inviting aroma while it’s baking in the oven, God’s hands are in action. I hope you’ll take more moments during your meals to be a witness to all the little things with which He flavors our lives.  Don’t just stick to the everyday cheese and pickle sandwiches!

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him.”  Psalm 34:8