Taste and See . . .

The annual Thanksgiving feast is over. A day of food, family, football, and fellowship makes its way into our memories. As our gathering matures, a new dynamic begins to stamp its impression on the annual event, grandchildren. The feast table presents a variety of tastes that only make their appearance during this annual event. The combination of toddlers and unique tastes create an assortment of facial expressions.

One cautious toddler desiring to snuggle with her grandma was offered some of the unique tastes from the table. The first offering produced a scowl that thankfully was not dispensed to grandma’s lap partially chewed. Bravely both grandma and toddler moved to the second offering. No smile, but no scowl. The final offering, Jell-O, and fruit salad brought a joyful giggle. The taste test process had paid off.

As a child of God, I find myself in a nearly perpetual taste test. So many options are placed on my table of life. At times, I cautiously approach the new tastes; sometimes I recklessly dive in to please my palate. The offerings on the table seem so appealing, their colors and aroma call to me. Despite the visual and fragrant attraction, my taste buds discover bitterness. In the midst of the bitter aftertaste, God brings to mind His offer to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” I begin to savor rich flavors that sweeten with each morsel.

Our middle school choir (Taste and See) led me to God’s bountiful table with this reminder of the contrast between the world’s offerings and God’s bounty:

Taste and see that His Word is true,
You’ve been hurt before but He won’t lie to you.
Taste and see never thirst again
Every broken heart Jesus Christ will mend.

(Taste and See by Israel & New Breed)