Narvik – Taste and See
I’m not one to try new foods, except for desserts. You could lace a spare tire with powder sugar and call it a new donut and I would probably try it.
However, when I travel, I try to branch outside my norms of chicken strips and hamburgers and try some of the local cuisine. Sometimes I am rewarded and other times I’m looking for a McDonalds later in the evening (Chur, Switzerland after a fondue pot of cheese – I wasn’t a fan).
On the second morning around Kiruna I tried some smoke reindeer. It was spicy (from their seasoning) but pretty tasty. Later I tried something similar to codfish and then a reindeer stew. Some things tasted better than others, and some things I may never eat again.
But I at least tried it.
I have learned I would never know what something taste like until I try it.
And it may turn out to be something delicious and good for me.
I had a friend years ago that would always say, taste and see. “Sometimes you have to taste bitterness in life to see how sweet God really is.”
Such wise words from my friend.
And it seems that I am reminded of her comment often.
Life may be hard at work…but I have felt what it feels like to not be that hard. Those are good times. So, when times get hard, I can remember those good times to push me through.
God is the same way.
Sometimes life is hard. But in the moments in the dark times I can remember when I knew God was good to push me through to the finish.
Since I have tasted His goodness, I can remember it. And that remembrance spurs me to look forward to brighter days ahead with Him.
God never says life will be easy. But He does promise to be there when the burden is heavy.
It’s in those moments when you need a reminder.
Think back as a kid of your favorite dessert. Does it bring back those warm, fuzzy memories of chasing lightning bugs, or being chased by junebugs on a string, or watching the snow fall through a frosty window pane?
Our senses have a unique way of bringing back a memory with a taste, a smell, a sound, a touch, or a sight.
God has a fascinating way of conjuring our memories when a certain aroma hits us.
Do you have a certain smell that causes you to smile thinking of your grandparents or favorite aunt?
Do you have a song that when you listen to it, it takes you back to being a teenager driving around with your friends? It’s the same way.
And there are moments when I read the Bible or hear a word, that triggers a memory of when God was present. So, when God doesn’t feel close sometimes, try and trigger that memory.
Sometimes it’s as simple as tasting something salty to be reminded of one of Jesus’ parables.
But whatever it takes, I hope you can sense Him.
Because He is there. He’s always there.
So, here’s to tasting new goodies (or baddies depending on your preference). And I bet, if you taste something disgusting, you will never forget it.
Then you will know a little more about tasting and seeing what is good.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.34.8.ESV
Peace
