a stash of goodness

I have been told that the children’s vitamins I bought last week taste too “vitamin-y”.

In a bold act of parental love, I chose the healthiest supplements, not the usual candy-like tasty treats the kids like.

That sweet Lady girl of mine has been so good to take them, though.

Or so I thought until several daily portions were found under her bed.

It’s been documented:

I laughed hysterically.

I sort of want to leave them there and see how many she thinks she can stuff away before someone finds out.

As I pondered this question, I began to realize I’m looking at more than rejected vitamins.

I’m looking into the heart of every human under this frilly pink bed.

How many of us turn away all the goodness of love and joy, stashed the truth about what we really need under our proverbial beds, and pretend it never came our way?

We think no one will notice that we are lacking the nutritious filling of God’s love and grace.

We assume the friends and family around us don’t care if we put inside us what we really need.

We shove wisdom out of sight and out of mind because we aren’t sure that we can stomach what a godly life requires.

And yet, hope and peace and joy and love always do us more good than that candy-coated “do what feels good” message ever could.

It’s all right there in that Bible.

“Know also that wisdom is like honey for you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.”
-Proverbs 24:14

What we really need is in God’s word, and in God’s people, and in God’s presence.

May we be brave and eat the hard truth that life often tastes bad, but that God’s goodness will prove sweet as we trust the One whose hand has given and taken away.

Vitamins can help us to be healthy. Jesus makes us new, quenches our need for love, and sets us free from sin.

May we never forget that. May we learn to live it, love it, and lean on it.