A Missing Ingredient

As the fall holiday frenzy descends, I’ve found myself looking at a ton of different recipes that I want to try for all those potlucks I might get invited to. I found a recipe for a Butter Pecan Cake that I can’t wait to try. It looks so delicious. Thinking about all those delicious food items often makes me hungry, but another feeling involved is anticipation. It’s so exciting when I get to spend a little time with my family and eat some delicious food while doing so. 

When I was growing up, we used to have tons of potlucks at my church. One dish I remember with fondness was the lasagna that was prepared by one of the church missionaries. To this day, it was the most delicious lasagna I have ever had. As I got older, my inability to find another that tasted even remotely similar prompted me to tackle it myself. While I get a lot of compliments on my lasagna, there is that little voice in my head that always reminds me that it’s not the taste I’m looking for. Something is missing.

It’s amazing how those little tastebuds can alert us to that fact. They warn us that something is too salty, too sweet, or if it’s just right. At times we learn that something might be spoiled or something is a little too sour or natural for our liking. Generally, we respond in kind in the future and make any necessary adjustments. I often think that if we didn’t ignore that little voice in our heads the way we don’t ignore our taste buds (I hope!) then we’d be far better off. Just like with our natural senses, our spirits would be well fed, nourished, and satisfied on a daily basis.

Have you ever had a craving for something? Maybe you settle for something else for the duration but there is still that lingering thought that’s tantalizing your tastebuds of something left unfulfilled. That’s how I would describe my challenge with the lasagna. As humorous as the challenge is for me, it speaks volumes to the level of attentiveness I need to give my spirit self. I often run into moments like this when I’m studying. Doing so becomes so wonderfully absorbing and I end up leaping from one topic to the next. From one book to the next. That’s how I describe the hunger we need for the time we spend with God.  

Regardless of where I find the time, I am finding it. I often find that when I sit down for a few minutes to read a bible passage, it’s never enough! I need and want more time to do so. That place where we are not only seeking diligently after God and his presence is where we all need to be. Truly, what I’m seeking is what I will find. So it matters what I’m seeking.

If you find yourself filled with so many unanswered questions, praying and seeking God is always a good place to start. Having those moments of finding that missing ingredient is only gratifying once you find it! So, similar to cooking, we should be just as diligent and determined in drawing closer to God and strengthening our relationship with him. 

Stay Sunny!

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