The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23
Looking back, this week has included a lot of posts around family, and our grandchildren in particular. I’ve always been honest about our struggles, but at this point in our lives -with the children in their thirties, happily married, involved in deeply meaningful lives, and following Jesus – we are completely at peace.
So I’d like to add, particularly in response to a few messages sent my way, that I’m not planning a parenting book any time soon! But if I did, it would be short and to the point: “Your marriage always comes first; love God – and your children – passionately and eloquently; be consistent; hold the course.”
So today, a change of pace. We all know how much I enjoy good food, and it’s been a good week in that regard. We started out by taking Andrew and Alicia to one of our favorite seafood restaurants, then I cooked three Blue Apron meals in succession.
Blue Apron is a service that sends everything you need – fairly fresh ingredients – along with detailed cooking instructions. I’m still offering mixed reviews, and this week was no exception. But I remain extremely pleased with the opportunity to learn new techniques, try new flavors, and generally push the edges of my food envelope.
For me, the food challenge reminds me of an important faith principle. It’s too easy to become complacent and remain wedded to “the way we’ve always experienced/done/understood…” But God’s love is not only new every morning, it’s radically transformative. We too readily resist God’s ongoing work in and through us; maybe it’s time to step out a little more in trust.
So here are a few of the images that I want to share. As you look at them, enjoy the joy and excitement represented in Andrew and Alicia’s 4th wedding anniversary, be challenged by the call to go deeper and be more inventive in terms of faith (and food), and always be awake to the possibilities – like the coffee beans!
– That’s it – DEREK
