I remember, as a child, watching my little sister make a sandwich. It was not just slapping a couple pieces of bread together, but she made it an art form. Everything had to be just "so". She would experiment with different "styles" of sandwiches, many of which just made us laugh - No salt and pepper sandwich for me, and why anyone would want to spend an hour slicing carrots and celery to arrange on a sandwich is beyond me.
This last Sunday I was on the road and decided to opt for a Sandwich, for my lunch and headed into the local Subway. Needless to say - I watched a perfectionist make the sandwich in front of me, but I got a person, who "it was just a paycheck".
As I was heading down the road eating my sandwich - I was amazed at how my thoughts were turned to God - all because of a sandwich - and it actually took me down two different lines of thought.
Line 1: Our salvation is like a sandwich. It starts with God (Bread) and after that - it is up to us to decide how detailed or simple our relationship with Him is going to be. Some people are looking for the simple PB & J, while others go all out for the "Dagwood". I guess I am one of the ones that settles somewhere in the middle. There are days all I want is the PB & J - because it is simple - I know God, He knows me, and that is the way I get through the day - I don't want it complicated with doctrine, or other people's philosophies of life. But usually I want a little more substance to my walk. I want the Meat and Cheese of His Word, and I am even willing to pay for the double meat at times, just so that I am "full" afterwards. And I want the extras - I want the fruits of the Spirit so that I can enjoy the blessings that God has for me - I mean what is a sandwich without lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, green peppers and olives? If I can ask for that on my sandwich, why am I so afraid to go after Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, etc , in my spiritual life.
I'm not real sure about going after the "Dagwood". I've had one of those in my life, and I just about chocked to death. I guess in my spiritual walk, I like the little steps, the little extras that I can get used to before adding more. I certainly don't like to be force fed, and so taking my walk at my pace seems so much more fulfilling and satisfying than trying to chock down everything at once. Just one line of thought.
Line 2: I was a little disappointed in my sandwich on Sunday because the gal that made it didn't do a real good job - each one of the ends for about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch had absolutely nothing on them, and I ended up not eating them - probably good for my waistline, but when you buy the whole sandwich - HEY.
But then again, God brought an idea to my mind. What is the best part of the sandwich? For me it is the very center part. I always like to have the sandwich maker cut my sandwich into 3 parts. I eat the ends first and save the center for last. Usually it has the most "stuff" and the bread is soft and for me, that is just the best part of the sandwich. You know, if we get ahead of God or even don't keep up with Him - there is waste, and our life can seem a little bland or dry. But when we are in the center of His Will, we truly get the "best" part. It is the most fulfilling, and there is no waste. You know there is just something about children and having the crusts cut off the sandwich, they want the soft "good" part. I need to be more like that in my walk - seeking to be in the Center of His Will - focusing on the quality of my relationship with Him and not just having the quantity.
I pay for a foot long - and only eat 8 inches - Hmmmm I wonder if there would be away to have them make me a foot long sandwich on only 6 inches of bread - could be the best of both worlds. And in that same thought - I am going to start focusing on the Center of His Will for my life and let go of the past, and not worry about the future. I think then my spirit will enjoy the "fullness of the Spirit" more often then.
Just a few of my thoughts as I walk with the King, S
