One thing I love about my Father is that He is not overly pushy. He is a beneficent, loving provider, not a barking, unappreciated requirer. I guess I am sensitive to this because on my 5th birthday, I had a "mildly" traumatic experience: Mom served apple pie for dessert at lunch. "What a treat!," she thought. "And I gave you the biggest piece!"
Well, as delectible as that apple pie may have been for her, I did not find it appetizing in the slightest. And I did not touch it. Long story short, I was to be kept at the table until I finished that piece of apple pie. The kids went off to play, but I had to sit there until I woofed it down, and apologized for being such an unappreciative son.
Well, after a lengthy standoff, I was dismissed from the table and restricted to my room, having left the pie untouched. "Whose birthday was it anyway?," I thought as I sulked.... It took me over 20 years to get over that episode, and actually sample a piece of apple pie. I found it to be pretty good!
One verse I love to consider, especially at Thanksgiving time is Matthew 5:6 where Jesus revealed a bit of the Father's point of view:
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
I am not a bible expert, but I was taught that the standard of this filling was not a filling according to capacity, nor one which might result in overflowing, but a filling 'according to the standard of one's appetite.' I love that. Why? Because our loving God allows for variations of appetite.
I think about a wonderful piece of pie. When offered to me as the the grand finale, after I have just stuffed myself at the Thanksgiving table, I usually say, "No, thanks. Maybe later..." However, were I to be offered that exact same piece of pie after a day of not having eaten, I would devour it, and lick off my plate. My eating, or not eating, of the pie is no reflection on the pie. It has more to do with my appetite.
Do you have a big spiritual appetite? God says, Eat and be blessed. Do you have a small spiritual appetite? God says, Eat and be blessed. Are you spiritually stuffed? God says, That's Okay. Food is ready when you are. My Father's end game is to show His love and to bless. I like what's on the menu, even when I'm not particularly hungry. It's easy to love God, because He is so loving to me. He seldom sends me to my room because I am not ready for His pie.
Maybe later....
Well, as delectible as that apple pie may have been for her, I did not find it appetizing in the slightest. And I did not touch it. Long story short, I was to be kept at the table until I finished that piece of apple pie. The kids went off to play, but I had to sit there until I woofed it down, and apologized for being such an unappreciative son.
Well, after a lengthy standoff, I was dismissed from the table and restricted to my room, having left the pie untouched. "Whose birthday was it anyway?," I thought as I sulked.... It took me over 20 years to get over that episode, and actually sample a piece of apple pie. I found it to be pretty good!
One verse I love to consider, especially at Thanksgiving time is Matthew 5:6 where Jesus revealed a bit of the Father's point of view:
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
I am not a bible expert, but I was taught that the standard of this filling was not a filling according to capacity, nor one which might result in overflowing, but a filling 'according to the standard of one's appetite.' I love that. Why? Because our loving God allows for variations of appetite.
I think about a wonderful piece of pie. When offered to me as the the grand finale, after I have just stuffed myself at the Thanksgiving table, I usually say, "No, thanks. Maybe later..." However, were I to be offered that exact same piece of pie after a day of not having eaten, I would devour it, and lick off my plate. My eating, or not eating, of the pie is no reflection on the pie. It has more to do with my appetite.
Do you have a big spiritual appetite? God says, Eat and be blessed. Do you have a small spiritual appetite? God says, Eat and be blessed. Are you spiritually stuffed? God says, That's Okay. Food is ready when you are. My Father's end game is to show His love and to bless. I like what's on the menu, even when I'm not particularly hungry. It's easy to love God, because He is so loving to me. He seldom sends me to my room because I am not ready for His pie.
Maybe later....
3 comments:
Like the blog on leaving our comfort zones to include people of other ilks into our relationship vocabulary, this blog introduced a non-judgmental view of those of us who, at some times, have little or no spiritual appetite. It took me several readings to see the author's point, and when I did, I was relieved because my appetite certainly does vary, and I have felt guilty about the low points. My only question is, "Is it OK to never have a spiritual appetite?"
Retorical question: "Is it OK to never have a spiritual appetite?"
Retorical answer: Permissible, but not sustainable, nor ultimately satisfying.
Eat, and drink as much as you wish at the Father's table. You'll be blessed.
Or, not.
Your choice.
Choose well.
(All this talk about food is making me hungry. ...
Happy Thanksgiving!)
I love this! So right and insightful. I read your post to a friend who said she got goosebumps!
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