Hint of Vanilla

Monday, October 16, 2023

Romans 5:2b-5
..."we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. 
And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Have a fresh cup of coffee with me.

Notice a hint of vanilla. Add hope from The Bible, growing up after WWII and terrific lyrics from an old song.

     Let's start by sharing lyrics from a famous songwriter connected with Sesame Street. Joe Raposo brings a message of hope and strength of human spirit as he writes music for the young at heart. 

Old Time Music said the Folk song in 1973 was able "to embrace the joy and healing of music, and for its ability to bring people together."
     There is a lot of wisdom in the words of the song which encourages us to be ourselves.  Sing your song and voice your view.  Even if it is not popular but it is what you believe; sing it out!
     "Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for
Anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song
Sing, sing a song
Let the world sing along
Sing of love
There could be
Sing for you and for me
Sing, sing a song
Make it simple to last
Your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not
Good enough for Anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song."

     Recently, my twenty-something daughter said she felt sorry for my generation because so much has changed. Social media probably being the hardest for us, she continued after having helped her aunt pay for an item she wanted online.  While it may be true, I am glad for the opportunity to know these better days.

     After WWII everything changed. People enjoyed building and owning their own homes. It became a time of prosperity and peace. I was not born until after the Korean War, but, I was born in the hope there would never be a WWIII.  This may be the hardest reality to face as we await the outcome of Israel declaring war.

     My generation is made up of Baby Boomers. It is interesting to me that I agree so often with observations my twenty-something daughter will make. Sadly I feel sorry for her generation, too.The Bible says in Psalm 33:18, "But the Eyes of the Lord are on those whose hope is in His unfailing love."

     My Dad's favorite flavor of ice cream was vanilla.  This use to bother my Mom when we went to the ice cream shop for a special dessert.  So many wonderful new flavors to try!  Dad did not have any trouble making up his mind because for him it was always vanilla. 

     You know, vanilla will always be a favorite ingredient in cookies I bake.  If it is not in the recipe I add it anyway.

     May you always be one of the people adding the right flavor needed to taste hope, to keep singing, and to find ways to get the medicine down.

     Some people are vanilla in this world. They stay in their own lane, sure and steady; rarely changing lanes.Their stability supports us all, and keeps us grounded.