following instructions

If you have spent very much time in the kitchen, you probably know how crucial it is to follow instructions...especially in the preparation of food.

Sometimes, when we try to take a short-cut, things may not turn out so well.

Consider some of these instructions:

COOKING A TURKEY

Geremy advises, "You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat." Sounds simple enough, but I'm fairly certain that the outcome would be less than desirable!

Moriah disagrees, "First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it." Or, what's left of it!

Lauren employs yet another method: "First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it." You're going to need a lot more salsa with that!

Isn't it a bit curious that all these children were trying to accomplish the same task? Furthermore, each one of them believed that they were doing it correctly. They were confident in the outcome, and still...it was all wrong.

I have read dozens of these 'recipes' over the years and still marvel at just how easy it is to do something completely wrong and still expect the outcome to be favorable.

I think that such is the way with life, at times. We need to do something so we figure out a plan, and do it. We expect it to turn out well, but sometimes it just doesn't. Maybe we left out a step. Maybe we had the timing all wrong. Maybe we didn't even have the necessary ingredients for success.

I think that maybe we are living in times such as these for a reason. Jesus reminded us that we were the salt of the earth...the seasoning of life...the very element that makes things wonderful for ourselves, as well as others. But, He cautioned that if the salt had lost its flavor, then it was good for nothing and should be tossed out. So, the next time you have the opportunity to do something special for others, check the instructions first and make sure that your motives are seasoned with nothing but pure love.

I am eternally grateful that He is God, and I am not! All I have to do, all He expects me to do, is follow the instructions..."He hath shown thee, oh man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God." Micah 6:8

DESSERT, Anyone?


Try Shelby's instructions for making applesauce, "Go to the store and buy some apples, and then you squish them up. Then you put them in a jar that says, "Applesauce." Then you eat it."

Christopher shares his advice for making pumpkin pie: "First you buy a pumpkin and smash it. Then it is all done. And you cook it in the oven for 12 minutes and 4 degrees. Then you eat it."  Bon appetit!