Taste and See
Several years ago I attempted to make a picture perfect Fall food- Butter Nut Squash. Now, for some, this may not be a big deal. But, if you have grown up on peas, corn and carrots- tackling something from the cover of a Martha Stewart magazine can be overwhelming. It looked amazing. I pulled the wild rice and sausage stuffed squash from the oven, but after one bite of the heavy orange vegetable the Seither Family quickly added it to the “Banned Food” list- right next to eggplant and liver.
A few weeks ago I was somewhere and they served…you guessed it..Butter Nut Squash Soup for lunch. I was thankful I had eaten a good breakfast. Out of courtesy I took an obligatory taste. It was amazing! Not only did I asked for a small bowl of seconds, but I asked for the recipe as well.
Finally I would be able to redeem the huge faux pas of the last squash attempt. I couldn’t wait to try out the new recipe.
“You’ll love it!” I assured my family who was hoping I intended to use the odd shaped vegetable as a table decoration.
“I just didn’t know how to fix it right,” I continued. “This is so yummy and it is so good for you too! In fact I think it is my new favorite comfort food.”
I cubed the squash. The kids looked at their dad and wondered if he was buying it. After all “In and Out” is a mere 15 miles away and they could easily slip out the back door while I stirred the simmering pot of orange substance.
Finally the soup was ready. “It is perfect!” I took a taste and exclaimed. However, no one lined up at the kitchen counter. “It is ready!” I announced again. I looked in the office where the kids had nestled against their squash opposed father.
“No,” was the collective response to my love offering. I almost dropped my spoon in shock. “We are not eating that.”
“But… I made it because I love you and I wanted to share something that is good for you!” I thought of all the time I spent making lunch. “Won’t you even try a taste? You can see for yourself.” I held out my bowl.
“No. Butternut Squash is on the banned list in any form. It doesn’t smell or look good,” came the remark. “We are not eating it. If you want to make something good for us, make chocolate chip cookies!”
The kids cheered with delight.
I walked back to the kitchen and put the soup in small freezer containers. I would have to eat it myself.
At first I was a little hurt and even a little mad. I made the soup because I loved it, it was healthy and I wanted to share it with my family. They rejected it without giving it a chance.
Then, I thought of all the times I have passed up things that were good for me. I am sure there have been plenty of things the Lord has served up, only to hear me say. “No. It looks yucky. I’ll take chocolate instead.”
Maybe now is a good time to re-evaluate my “banned list” of preferences. Maybe instead of saying “No” to something I am unsure of I should at least be willing to try what the Lord has put on my plate or in my bowl. After all, He knows what is good for me. That is an idea worth savoring!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him.” Psalm 34:8
