If I could have a do-over, I think I would have given culinary school a try. But – that’s not possible for right now, so I bake. I gather ingredients, I follow instructions and like magic – I pull an ooey-gooey pan of brownies from the oven. It is a love affair, happening in my own kitchen.
And its not just the brownies or even the baking, really. It’s the end result. There is nothing better than watching the reaction of my loved ones dive into my brownies, or a birthday cake, or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I could go on… there’s a long list of favorites.
Every once in a while I try something new and I have to work to sell the goods, “Just try it – I know you’ll like it!” Its almost like I’m channeling every other mother who has ever had a picky child. Still, my 8 yr old looks at me with skepticism.
Its possible I was born a food lover, by nature. I enjoy food. I like how the taste of a brilliantly prepared dish explodes in my mouth. I relish a cozy dinner of comfort food on a chilly night. I‘ve developed a palate for delicious, delectable food. An emotional eater? Perhaps. But, I’m a connoisseur for sure.
Often I have a song by Israel Houghton float through my mind that I particularly enjoy called, “Taste and See.” Its taken from Scripture where the Psalmist says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good…” but Israel takes it a step further and says, “You’re never (never never) gonna know til you try…” And I can totally relate.
I nibbled in the beginning. Scripture verses were fed to me for my memorization. In my childhood Bible stories were every day fare. And so my taste for His Word was piqued.
As a young adult, I began taste-testing on my own. The menu was laced with adventure and excitement – He was becoming a reality and I was discovering whether these words offered were fact or fiction. Sometimes savory, sometimes sour, sometimes hard to digest, but I was drawn to explore and try new things from His word.
And now not only am I a consumer, I’m consumed. I can’t start my morning without a hearty helping of His Word to go along with my cup of coffee. I devour it like freshly baked bread (maybe with homemade jam) and it sustains me through each day. He is the consummate artisan baker. Every day there is a feast prepared for me. And just as I take pleasure in my family’s enjoyment of those fresh brownies – He delights when I come to him for another bite.
For me its quite complicated sometimes. How can I explain the flavors? I find myself looking on the faces of friends in need; those who don’t know or understand my Savior. They haven’t yet nibbled or taste tested. How can I convince one who hasn’t yet tried this life sustaining bread that Its good? No, Its Divine! The mom in me says, “You’re never (never, never) gonna know til you try…”
Taste and See that the Lord is good. (Ps 34:8)
md
(written November 20, 2009)
daily portion 