The Parable of the Two Salads
By: Sally Bishop
God often reveals Himself to us by using terms and situations from our life. It helps us to better understand and apply the lesson. It is your own personal parable. This particular lesson I call; Parable of the Two Salads.
This lesson was my epiphany; my Jeremiah moment. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV, Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and will bring you back from captivity. Although I accepted Christ when I was eight this was the moment when God called me from passive service into active service for Him.
It was Thanksgiving, 2001 and the atmosphere was tense. No family or guests were expected but I was planning the meal, the day, the whole school break. There were two particular salads from David’s childhood that we always included at the Thanksgiving meal. Groceries were purchased, food made and served. Questions were raised about the salads. Something was different. What does that matter they are present on the table. Tensions rose, words were snapped, feelings hurt; the silence was deafening.
I bustled around the littered table cleaning up the remnants of a not-so-perfect meal while having a boisterous discussion with God in my head. “Why is he being such a . . . ? Why can’t he . . .? Why isn’t he . . .? Why doesn’t he . . .?”
In the midst of my tirade I heard God ask, “Why don’t you?” I was dumbfounded. He proceeded to open my heart and flood it with David’s point of view, what my actions looked like and how, as a child of His, I should be choosing to act instead.
Like individual playing cards my negative, selfish behavior of the day was laid out for me to see. How I ignored what David was wanting, the good, childhood memories the salads evoked, for my desire of penny saving and expediency. How my unenthusiastic, rushed manner reflected on everyone else and created the tension. Where were the fruits of the spirit? Where was my Christ like behavior? Where was my thanksgiving?
In seeking forgiveness I made Psalm 139:23-24 NIV my daily prayer. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
In reflection I was often taking my own path and finding frustration and dissatisfaction. When I began consciously and deliberately seeking Him He has shown me a narrower path that draws much closer to Him. This has increased my joy and understanding of what He requires of me as an agent of the kingdom.
Do you have a personal parable that allowed God to reveal Himself to you in a powerful way?
A Little Bit About Sally:
A northern transplant to the west Texas plains Sally uses her M.Ed. in Psychology to advance the growth and education of others through Christian life lessons, Biblical insights and inspirational blogs at www.livelearnwithsally.blogspot.com.
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Wow Sally, what a great reflection and I just love the parable, thank you so much for sharing that with us today! Your words hit home for me and I am sure they will for many others as well! You are truly a Godly Gal and we are blessed to have you share with us today!
It was exactly one year ago that God birthed this idea of the "Godly Gals" series. Showcasing "Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith" in action and oh my goodness, what an incredible year it has been. There are so many incredible stories that have been shared and so many more are coming.
If you have a story you want to share then pray about writing something for the Godly Gals series. Simply send me an email at melsworldministry {at} gmail {dot} com and I'll send you a copy of the submission guidelines for you to take a look at.
There's never any pressure, just lots of love and encouragement! I'll be waiting to hear from you...
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