Guilty Pleasures

When I think of it… it is a pretty boring life at times. So easy to get in a rut – isn’t it? Who needs same old – same old – and way? It seems that we only delve into the dangerous on a vacation. We try something new and even love it but would never try that at home. I mean it is not normal.

Maybe what we need is a kick start in the middle of a life that is boring? Maybe we could make a difference if we were different.

I asked the individual if they would like to join in an activity… the reply was a little disconcerting in that I thought it was fun to do… “No!” was the flat answer to my question. The answer didn’t make sense – because it seemed like a great idea – fresh and new and without the old trappings of sameness. But the “No” was firm.

To help you today – I offer a “Bsplit”. The exercise is simple. You will need one banana, some cherries, some strawberries, some chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, some chocolate chips, some pineapple pieces, some whipping cream and a bowl. Now this is what it should look like when you get it done.

I can see some of you will actually try this one for size. Others will just say that is nuts – it isn’t for me.

Recently we were in an Ice Cream Shop. Not far from where we sat were two older women with a large tub of ice cream each. They said little to each other. Their spoons were busy taking scoops from their tubs. One giggled and the other smiled. I don’t think they said anything – they were just having fun. They were doing a “Bsplit”

Have you ever “Bsplit” – that is split away from the norm and tried something very new? For some of us that is so far away and in such a remote land that we couldn’t even try it… much too difficult to even try!

Today I want to shock my life. I want to experience something new. I have a new project planned. I have a new book to read. I have a new person that I intend to go see. And – Alida bought some new bananas that may just help us take a huge plunge… hmmm oooiee! This will be fun.

Some will never do it as they would be guilty of trying something new. Everyone knows that they just don’t do that kind of thing….and never will! But… what if…? What if something happened to shake us loose?

Another person that I know has had a death in their family and it has shaken them deeply. The death was close to their age of friends. The person who died was one day going to visit a special place – but health issues came and it never happened. Someday is never.

This person is so shaken and the deep realization is that they must do it now –or it may never happen. So they are taking a trip. The excitement that I heard in the voice was neat.

Pleasure was designed by God. At least he gave us the ability to enjoy it. Some stupid rules at times are applied by people that really were miserable – and the rest were expected to live by it.

Just in case the very disciplined are sitting there wagging their heads and wonder what I am possibly saying this heresy for… imagine a pastor that wants to have fun!? – I want them to know there isn’t a whole lot of time left to let their grandkids know that they really are not an ornery old person. They have giggles and want to do stuff. You are old and don’t do stuff – but you can still giggle. Can’t you?

So today I declare a “Bsplit day”! Today is the day that God made for me… and I will rejoice in it!

Do you have your spoon ready?

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~