Spice Things Up

My mom makes the most decadent side dish with her holiday meals. She cooks carrots in butter and powdered sugar and a touch of brandy. They taste as sweet as candy. It’s the only way my sister Beverly will eat carrots.

Some people are picky eaters. It’s a real challenge to get them to try new things. I know a young boy who only eats yellow foods: french fries, grilled cheese, cereal, apple sauce, mac ‘n cheese, chicken nuggets and corn. Technically he has all the food groups covered, yet his parents would like to see him branch out and expand his diet.

Experts suggest that parents expose their children to a new food numerous times before giving up hope. I’ve gone to great lengths to lure my kids into trying new vegetables. I’ve sweetened green beans with sugar, disguised broccoli in cheese sauce, and hidden zucchini by shredding in into spaghetti sauce. In a moment of inspiration (or temporary insanity) I created animal faces out of fruits and veggies in an attempt to weaken their defenses and tempt them with “cuteness.”

“Yuck!” “It’s too spicy!” “This tastes funny.” I keep trying because good nutrition is vital to physical health. I know that I feel so much better when I eat well and I want the same for them.

It’s the same way with spiritual health. It may take several introductions and multiple exposures to church, a small group, or a fellowship activity to arouse interest in your friends and neighbors. If we give up hope, they may never come to know the richness and flavor of a life of faith.

“Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6).

My life is sweeter, my relationships are healthier, and my faith is more robust through my walk with Jesus.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never goo hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty’.” (John 6:35).