Kenya and I laughed as we remembered how we used to love those "goody bags" we received after church on Resurrection Sunday back in the day. They were full of all kinds of treats... including those dyed boiled eggs with multiple cracks in them.
As we relaxed, chatted, and got a little nostalgic reminiscing about the joy of childhood, I decided to confiscate a delicious-looking piece of candy from one of the kid's baskets. Moments after I began chewing it, my wide smile turned into a disgusted frown.
That chewy mass in my mouth tasted so gross, even though the kids seemed to love it.
I was trying hard not to let the children see me grimacing; I didn't want to ruin the thrill for them. "This does not taste the way I remember it," I slowly chewed and whispered to Kenya, who took great pleasure in needling me for stuffing a wad of candy in my face, without knowing whether I liked it first.
I guess my taste buds are a bit more discriminating than they used to be. The way I remembered the candy tasting, and the way it actually did taste, were two different things entirely.
That turned out to be a not-so-sweet treat.
So, I think I'll leave the consumption of Easter candy to the kids and officially accept the fact that, with maturity comes change. In fact, this is a key principle to remember in all areas of our lives, and it's one I often stress on this blog. As we grow and develop, we become more refined. As a result, we don't enjoy the same things we used to.
That's the way it should be. Your taste ought change. Anyone who does not see changes in their preferences, taste, and ideals over time, is simply not growing.
You see, it's impossible to grow closer to God, and not grow apart from certain things and people. As we reach new levels of maturity, we are no longer stimulated, amused, or impressed by the same things. Although we may have pleasant memories of times gone by, there are still certain things we did "way back when," that we no longer have the will or desire to repeat.
Some stuff that once held our attention, now seems childish, petty, foolish, asinine, and downright silly. Things we used to love and adore, now annoy, repulse, repel, and disgust us. Why is that? Again, it's because we've grown up.1 Corinthians 13:11 says, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." (New Living Translation)
Just like I couldn't stomach that candy I would have happily devoured when I was a kid, there are some things you can no longer tolerate... and that's a good thing. And you know what? One day, you'll look back on where you currently are and see even more growth and change.
God is not through with you yet.
I encourage you to stay on the "Potter's wheel." (Jeremiah 18) As He molds and shapes you into a vessel of honor, give Him praise for the changes you see. Above all, maintain a humble position of submission, so God can continue to work on other areas in you that still need growth.
Trust me, I'm right on the wheel with you.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
