Can we talk?

Some Ramblings

         We have an abundance of zucchini from our own garden. One day they're too small to pick, and two days later, they're gigantic! I washed one today and grated it. 8 cups of grated zucchini. I've already made one recipe of zucchini bread--Paula Dean's recipe. Omygosh! It's delicious. If you want to make some, just look up her recipe; it's simple and wonderful. (Disclaimer: Zucchini bread is not diet food. Paula's recipe is especially high in sugar, but you can substitute Splenda; however children should not consume artificial sweetener.)

         As I mixed the dry ingredients, I noticed tiny streaks of brown from the cinnamon and nutmeg, but overall the flour, salt, and sugar were staying white. On the one hand, I thought, maybe I should add more spice. I can't see it in there. Then I remembered, I would know it with every bite of it. Sure enough, the aroma of it baking filled the house. And, yes, you taste the spice in every mouth-watering bite.

         I thought this is kind of like a parable. A little negativity, although it may be minor and not noticeable, can have a big effect on the whole loaf, or life or workplace or school or church. It can have a far reaching effect. Likewise, positive thinking, faith, hope can have the same effect. A little goes a long way.

         The lesson we take away from it? If we want our lives, or our jobs, or our family to be positive and bright and strong, we need to have that small, quiet positive outlook. We don't have to be jumping up and down for joy or have flamboyant personalities. We need to discern the cinnamon and nutmeg for us and make sure it stays there.