“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
Day 25: Discover #writetogether31days
Feeding people makes me happy and this is my most recent new offering. Cooking and baking are definitely my love language. Because of that, I really enjoy discovering new recipes to prepare and share. There are certain things I look for though, for example, number of ingredients. The more one requires, the less likely I am to try it. Plus, those ingredients must also be things I have on hand or at least am familiar with. Simple directions are also a must. No complicated, many steps, takes a long time dish for me. When all these things come together, I know it’s a recipe worth keeping.
You’d think that if I use these things to find the perfect recipe, I’d do the same when seeking Perfect Jesus. The truth is however, that I often do the exact opposite. There are times when I believe that the “ingredients” that go into making me, me, just aren’t sufficient, that more are required. Plus, they’re too bland, not unusual or stand out as they should. The voice inside my head, I’m guessing you might know the one I mean, tells my heart I’m not smart enough, kind enough, generous enough, good enough, or any other “enough.”
Sometimes I think I must follow a complex set of steps like: praying the “right way,” reading my Bible more, taking on more responsibility at church, you get the picture. Creating a long list of to-do’s equals busyness which in my little mind will make me more pleasing to Him.
“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39-42 (NLT)
Gosh, I need this reminder. I wonder if you might too. Feeding people is what Jesus is all about. So, He’s telling Martha, and us, that less is more. Worrying about too many details keeps us from creating and enjoying something special with Him.
Few, familiar, simple. Those are what I look for when searching for and keeping recipes. When we find ourselves at Jesus’ feet like Mary was, we discover it is the same: few concerns (One really), a familiarity to savor, and love given simply and lavishly. This recipe for Life is always and forever worth seeking, keeping, and sharing!
