Tasting God

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

As I pull away from the drive-through window, I take a tiny sip of my favorite coffee drink before putting it into my cupholder to be savored later. Releasing a deep sigh, I feel my shoulders drop and tension leak from my body. I flip on the blinker and take a left turn, headed toward my classroom and a day full of obligations.

It might sound silly, but I’ve come to associate that occasional cup of fancy coffee with God’s love for me. That is to say, as those particular flavors explode across my taste buds, I automatically think of God, marveling at the creation of our senses and the emotions and memories that can be provoked by them. This drink tastes of serenity, of the knowledge that God goes before me into my classroom as I do a final mental review of the day’s materials and silently pray over my students and myself.

Certain foods remind me of loved ones long since gone to heaven. I think of them whenever I whip up the recipe for my own family or come across a brand of cookie they always stocked in their pantry. And I know I’m not the only one who associates emotions, memories, and people with taste. I’ve laughed with many women about weird pregnancy cravings for childhood comfort food that we hadn’t thought about in fifteen years, let alone yearned for before pregnancy.

If we experience God through the melody of a favorite hymn, the beauty of a spectacular sunrise, or the hug of a beloved one, why wouldn’t we experience God through food or drink? He is the creator of our taste buds, which help us savor salty and sweet and sour and bitter. He created the original ingredients from which all else is derived. As we thank God for beautiful vistas, for melodies that move us closer in intimacy with him, for blessings and material provision, let’s also thank him for the gift of taste. My family is learning to pause over something that tastes amazing and proclaim, “This is a little taste of heaven!”

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

What favorite meal or beverage is a little taste of heaven for you? Practice lingering momentarily in gratitude as you take a bite or sip.