The proof is in the pudding
It's amazing how much just one year, a mere 365 consecutive days, can change your life completely. For me, it seems I can too easily get caught up in my life and feel like one day runs into the next. The fact of the matter is that even though today might feel just like yesterday with its barrage of errands, mundane tasks, emotions and thoughts, it's a distinct increment of time unto itself... One I'll only have once.
We know we are to 'Seize the day,' and even Scripture repeatedly refers to the tempo of our lives as being measured in days... Creation happened in seven, Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3, we are to forgive 'While it's still called Today,' and the mercies of God are 'New every morning.'
I picture my life as a parfait dessert. Through clear glass I see layers stacked on top of each other, each with distinct flavor, color and texture, each varying in width. Nestled in about every 4th layer is a yummy chocolate one. These represent savory days that turned into sweet months, that comprised years of decadence. (Like most women, I wish every year was a chocolate one).
Next come the vanilla layers scattered in between. These white sections are the ones that I don't have distinct memories of, the ones that seemed to pass in a blur and left no real lasting impression on me. I'm sure they had their own tasty moments, but none that I cared to have lingering on the tip of my tongue more than the chocolate ones.
Lastly, the dreaded blueberry layers. This flavor comes as a surprise, not only because it makes for an odd tasting dessert combination, but because it represents the years that blindside us. We're nibbling along, savoring every bite, when suddenly an unexpected burst of not-quite-yet-ripe flavor clashes with what's already on our pallet, leaving a sting at the back of our mouth. Here comes a sour year... One with unexpected pain that contorts the face and turns the stomach. Those are the toughest ones to get through.
Life is full of unexpected bites. One year can leave a bad taste in your mouth, and the next can be so full of delicious moments you wish it wouldn't end. This is the beauty of savoring each layer. There is something to be experienced even in the blueberry ones. Yes, they are barely palatable, but if you'll just chew through them, the upcoming chocolate ones will taste even sweeter.
Some of my all time favorite lyrics come from a ZOEgirl song that says 'I've tasted bitter, tasted sweet. I've found the beauty in the place they meet.'
God wants us to make the most of each day, measuring them in small victories, in His love, and in the company of people who love us...
Ultimately, these are things that sweeten up our lives.
We know we are to 'Seize the day,' and even Scripture repeatedly refers to the tempo of our lives as being measured in days... Creation happened in seven, Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3, we are to forgive 'While it's still called Today,' and the mercies of God are 'New every morning.'
I picture my life as a parfait dessert. Through clear glass I see layers stacked on top of each other, each with distinct flavor, color and texture, each varying in width. Nestled in about every 4th layer is a yummy chocolate one. These represent savory days that turned into sweet months, that comprised years of decadence. (Like most women, I wish every year was a chocolate one).
Next come the vanilla layers scattered in between. These white sections are the ones that I don't have distinct memories of, the ones that seemed to pass in a blur and left no real lasting impression on me. I'm sure they had their own tasty moments, but none that I cared to have lingering on the tip of my tongue more than the chocolate ones.
Lastly, the dreaded blueberry layers. This flavor comes as a surprise, not only because it makes for an odd tasting dessert combination, but because it represents the years that blindside us. We're nibbling along, savoring every bite, when suddenly an unexpected burst of not-quite-yet-ripe flavor clashes with what's already on our pallet, leaving a sting at the back of our mouth. Here comes a sour year... One with unexpected pain that contorts the face and turns the stomach. Those are the toughest ones to get through.
Life is full of unexpected bites. One year can leave a bad taste in your mouth, and the next can be so full of delicious moments you wish it wouldn't end. This is the beauty of savoring each layer. There is something to be experienced even in the blueberry ones. Yes, they are barely palatable, but if you'll just chew through them, the upcoming chocolate ones will taste even sweeter.
Some of my all time favorite lyrics come from a ZOEgirl song that says 'I've tasted bitter, tasted sweet. I've found the beauty in the place they meet.'
God wants us to make the most of each day, measuring them in small victories, in His love, and in the company of people who love us...
Ultimately, these are things that sweeten up our lives.
posted by Amber | 10:23 PM
2 Comments:
good analogy (?) ..that word looks nasty, did I spell it wrong? can you barf over the spelling of a word...woh wohhh WOOOH hioOOOOOO!!
Amber,
Of all the things you've written as long as I've known you, I'm not sure I relate to anything as well as I relate to this. It's a perfect blend of imagery and emotion, and I think that everyone can identify with the sweets and the sours you describe so accurately.
I think it's great that you were able to find the words to capture the thoughts that were, as I like to say, swirling through your head, but the amazing thing about it is that you not only found the words, you were able to arrange them in a meaningful, thought-provoking, and highly impactful way.
You may not think you're the writer I am, but it's all about perception and I think you're more amazing than you give yourself credit for.
Keep it up and I'll keep reading.
Always.
-John
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