The skies are clear, the sun is bright, and its cold. Two out of three. Well there is also the signs that my cold is breaking up, that’s another plus. I was hoping to go to church tomorrow, but if I’m still coughing, that would be a no. I won’t create or feed the fear that others are dealing with over the virus. And how do I know its a cold/ allergy thing? I deal with this every single year. Allergies and I are long time acquaintances, even as I would prefer not.
Yesterday I made another dump cake. My son refuses to call them that and prefers cobbler which isn’t correct but really doesn’t matter. In the first I used two different fruits, in this one I used only apple. A very simple recipe, fruit, dry cake mix and melted butter. Then bake. No stress involved at all. When my son came in from work and saw the pan sitting on the stove, he asked if he could have some. But of course. Within a couple of hours, that nine by thirteen pan, was empty.
What if…
What if we all sought after education in that manner? We saw something that interests us, that looks good or informative or helpful and we went after it hungrily? Continuing until every last bit of information had been consumed. It doesn’t matter what it is about or for, just that we continue serving ourselves of what is before us. Continuing to feed our mind and thoughts. Continuing until we understand fully. Whether it is something strictly personal, or something for the betterment of human kind. Something that will make our individual life or social life better. Whether we will be a stronger person, or stronger society.
Not all ingredients are favorites and yet they are often needed to finish a meal. Certain spices may be too strong for some, but add to the taste of the dish. Some pieces of information may not sit well with individuals or groups, but it is important to get the message across.
What if, we sought to write the recipe for a better life? What if, we sat ourselves at the table, surrounded by our brethren, and decided that this life, was going to be shared? What if, we passed a dish of sharing? One of understanding. One of acceptance? One of learning? One of compassion? One of peace and a double serving of love? What if we sat and shared all of that, and consumed it with a gusto similar to the way my son ate that cake?
One thing I like about that cake recipe, is that there is no added sugar. Many recipes call for multiple ingredients and lots of sugars. An ingredient that is not necessarily good for one. What I mentioned above, left out things like, strife, anger, confusion, impatience. Because those are not good. They are ingredients that cause problems, issues that make life much more difficult when it is difficult enough.
What if..
We did as we are instructed? What if we followed the example set before us by Jesus the Christ, and walked, talked, ate, lived..in love. A dish best served readily, openly, willingly, to all who approach the table.
Words from The Dirt Road 