Taste and See

Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.

Today I am reflecting on The Gingham Apron’s theme verse, Psalm 34:8, “Taste and See that the Lord is good.” I keep bumping into this verse everywhere I look, and when that happens to me, I’ve learned that God is telling me to pay attention!

First let’s talk about taste. Do you ever stop and consider the gifts that God has given us through food? Do you ponder the endless variety of colors, tastes, textures, and intricate details of the beautiful vegetables, fruits, and grains that he has given to us?

Really, the beauty and artful details are astounding! In a world that values rushing around, fast food, and getting more accomplished with each new day, I think that we can really miss out on the goodness in this area. So I am challenging myself to slow down and really study God’s creation in his food. I’ve been trying to accomplish “tasting that the Lord is good” by trying new recipes and tasting new foods.

My family and I have been trying new recipes by using new cookbooks. My kids and husband gave me Magnola Table for Mother’s Day, and we have been JoAnna Gaine’s bulgogi, corn chowder, and kimchi. I also have been checking out new cookbooks from the library to get fresh inspiration. Since we are new to California, Nate Turner’s I Love California cookbook caught my eye, and I love it! It’s packed full of regional recipes that I can’t wait to try.  I encourage you to pick up a new cookbook, or peruse our recipe collection here on TGA to try a new recipe. You will taste the goodness of God!

And then my family and I are trying new foods this summer. We have been stopping at the fruit stands on the sides of the road and enjoying some new varieties of fruit that are hard to buy in our former midwest home. The kids love kumquats! Also, we have introduced variety into our diet by simply picking up produce that is on sale each week at our favorite grocery store. This has led to eating new varieties of lettuce and melons. God is so creative!

And then the second part of the verse is “See that the Lord is good!” Oh, how I need help on this part! I am a Martha sort of person who hurries from  from cooking to sweeping to folding laundry to returning that important email…. you know how it is, because you’re busy, too! And I forget to SEE God’s work around me. I forget to take in the beauty of his creation. I forget to notice the details of my darling children’s faces. I fail to notice how he has faithfully provided for us again and again.

Psalm 103:2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–

This verse was part of our daily devotional a few days back, and I quietly had to say in my heart, “I’m sorry God for forgetting to see all of the wonderful things you’ve done.” I really want to do better in this part of my life. So when I saw this sign at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, I brought it home with me and put it in a part of my house where I will see it often.

It’s been a great reminder already! And secondly, I’m taking a little time each morning to write down at least three things for which I’m thankful in my prayer notebook. Practicing gratitude in this way really helps me to SEE the goodness of God and changes my attitude for the day.

Some examples:

1. Thank you for the phone call with an old friend.
2. Thank you for the hydrangeas blooming outside my kitchen window.
3. Thank you for the hot air balloons we see in our city.
4. Thank you for the art we saw at the museum.

Nothing profound here- just noticing some things around me! Have you ever tried this?

So today, I encourage you to do these two things: post a verse in your house about God’s goodness and write down three things for which you’re grateful each day. Let’s SEE the goodness of God together. And I hope that you find some new foods and recipes to enjoy. Let’s TASTE the goodness of God together.