Chocolate Toffee and Doing It My Way

But the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves. // Luke 7:30

I finished scrubbing the cast iron skillet, dried it, and hung it on my pot rack. Each dish had been stacked in the dishwasher, each child coaxed to least try the salmon and orzo I had spent hours on, and each foot was cramping from standing on the hardwood floors with no shoes for those hours on end.

My quiet fingers found the last of the chocolate toffee wrapped up in the pocket of my apron, and while I changed over the laundry and finished up homework checks, I stuffed that delicious treat into my mouth.

Had I finished my own dinner? Absolutely not. Had I tried two bites of orzo? Nope. Did I regret spoiling my appetite? Not in the least.

While I prioritized healthy food for my children, a few years ago I went through a season of food fatigue. By the time I was done preparing, cooking, and serving dinner, my appetite had waned. But also, my stomach had been primed for a little treat instead.

Like the Pharisees, I had rejected the plan of dinner for myself. Maybe for different reasons, but for the same principle: I wanted to do it my way. Are you also spoiling your appetite for God with inane screen time consumption or poor habits? Does prayer and discerning His will and surrendering and finding pockets of joy in the travails of life sound . . . like my over-seasoned orzo?

The Lord had anointed Saint John the Baptist to make way for Him. Perhaps start getting back on track with God by listening to those in your life who are praying and living this Advent season to the hilt. God is calling you back to Him, but not just through a bullhorn from the sky.

Pay attention to who He has placed in your life today.

God is calling you back to Him. // Nell O'Leary Click to tweet

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