Monday, July 21, 2008

Indian Food & God


Since moving to Colorado eight years ago, I’ve grudgingly accepted that Indian restaurant cuisine does not and will not have the zest and zip of the food found in Southern California. While the menu items have the same names, it’s tamer here. No matter what we add or do to take it up a notch and give it some real vitality, it never quite gets there. It’s fine, it’s good, but it remains less a delight than it should be.

That’s how my deeper, heavenly appetite is, too. Even though I like what I get by doing the Spirit-led things that fill me up—like reading and praying and singing and obeying and sharing—there are times I just want to go there. I want to be satisfied like that. I think I know at least something of how it will be, so I sometimes long for it. Life is sometimes really dissatisfying because I know how it could be—like Colorado Indian food.

And I think God is setting me up.

This morning I’m particularly glad that God is more determined to truly and deeply satisfy me than I am. Frankly, I might settle for less, but He won't let me.

Have you ever thought that the reason life is less satisfying the older you get is because it’s supposed to be? That God is really and actually sanctifying you as a heaven-belonging son or daughter of His? If, in fact, we’re spirit-born sons of God and seated in heavenly places already, it would appear, well, logical that God would prove it to us by getting us ready to come home—and to really enjoy it when we arrive. And maybe to recognize it. I suspect that when I cross over from this fleeting and temporal life to eternal life, I will utter a lot of ahhs, and oohs, and mmms, don’t you? I think my appetite for life is occasionally dissatisfied with what I can find in this world because it’s being prepared for a never-ending feast.

And I don’t think it will be entirely new delights served at the feast, but simply a lot more flavorful and satisfying…and more quantity—way more.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mt. 12:34)

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:20 PM

    Wow, I never thought of it that way. I can really relate to what you say here - "Have you ever thought that the reason life is less satisfying the older you get is because it’s supposed to be?" When I have feelings like that I sort of feel guilty thinking I'm not supposed to feel that way because I'm a christian. Well, I don't have to feel that way anymore because now that I've read your take on it, it just really settles in my heart as "Truth." Thank you again Jesus for giving me hope through the words that you have Ralph speak." And Ralph, thanks for being obedient to God and encouraging us/me!

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  2. Anonymous8:52 AM

    I loved this!

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  3. Thanks for your comments. I very much appreciate them.

    -Ralph

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