Vanilla Plus

My favorite ice cream is vanilla. But it is just a bit more with a little bit of chocolate dribbled over the top and sometimes a few nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. In fact most of my favorite foods avoid the extra spicy or zoomed up flavors. I like simple foods with gentle, comforting tastes.

This is a problem for people around me that love the zippy foods that tingle their tastebuds. If I am the cook they must add to their dish the flavors that make their mouth water. If they are the cooks, I tend to take small bites and pretend to be satisfied with little.

I guess we all need to be aware of our differences. When we are able to smile at our differences, we can rub elbows and not feel the need to jab each other. My judgement about what is yummy food is my choice. If I am wrong on a deeper moral level, that is between me and the God who made me. The same goes for others.

I admit I tease about the foods others like. I giggle as they grin over their tounges lit on fire. But I do not have the right to demand they share my taste in foods. Yes, I confess, I can have a judgemental spirit about those who do not have the same moral values as myself. But, again, my Savior loves them and so should I. It is not my job to judge or point fingers. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit will do that at the proper time.

But, for now, I will stand strong for vanilla. I will not be forced to accept onto my plate all that others would want me to take part. Would you like a bowl of vanilla ice cream?