42~Truths ~ Smooth or Crunchy

Greetings Dear Reader,

Amidst the fires, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes I realize that this may seem trivial but it is important to me.  Some time ago I asked the question of some friends concerning peanut butter.  Which is better, smooth or crunchy?

The outpouring of opinion on it was vast.  Opinions were very strong in both directions.  Some people were downright militant in their view of peanut butter.  This caused me to do a little research into what people really think about peanut butter.

Here is what I found: 

• Ø  Creamy wins as the most popular type of peanut butter, with 68% selecting it as their favorite.
• Ø  Just 22% said they prefer crunchy.
• Ø  9% would rather have extra crunchy.
• Ø  And 1% named other favorite types, like all-natural or a mix between creamy and crunchy.
• Ø  And when it comes to brands, Jiff, Skippy, and Peter Pan were named favorites.  Source:  AYTM BLOG

For me the answer is always smooth.  I do not like chunks in anything called a butter whether it be pumpkin, apple, or peanut.  I also am very picky about my uses of peanut butter.  PBJ of course but only Strawberry or Grape JAM, never jelly, and always made fresh not in a baggie.  I like it on toast occasionally.  I do not like peanut butter cookies.  I love peanut milkshakes.  I will also at times just eat it on a spoon.

So, what?   Where is the 42~turth here?  It is simple.  There is no RIGHT answer to how have and eat peanut butter.  There are those who dislike it wholly.  There are those who will cling like life depends upon it to a preference.  At the end of the day they are just preferences but we divide over them all the time.  We need to stop creating strife over preferences.

When I hope to show good to others I must allow for the differences that make us unique.  I must embrace the foolish oxymoron of chunky peanut butter if necessary.  I must not let my preference keep me from seeing the infinite diversity in humanity.  That Dear Reader is a 42~Truth necessary to follow Christ completely. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – The Dented Peanut Butter Jar

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Recently I bought a two pack of peanut butter at my favorite purveyor of bulk items.  Upon releasing said jars from their shrink wrap I noticed that one of the jars was dented at the bottom. 

This bothered me greatly but the jar was still sealed so I used it.  Each time I saw the jar on the shelf the dent bothered me.  Then I chose to have PBJ for dinner earlier this week.  Usually the distribution of the Peanut Butter jar, the Jelly jar, the plate, and the bread bag are a challenge. 

This time the plate slide right into the dent on the jar.  It created just enough room on the tray so that the entire cadre of items fit perfectly.  The irritating defect had become a helpful deviation from the norm.  This week I ate the last of the peanut butter from that jar and now will mourn the absence of the utilitarian dent. 

I wonder how often I miss the value of something because I only see the defect?  I suppose it is more often than is good.  I know that it is more often than is right.  The imperfections in things and people are one of the things that create uniqueness.  An infinite diversity of differences is what creates beauty in the world.

If I am to live my faith I must strive to see that even the imperfections are there to teach me.  They exist to show me how God uses the foolish and broken things to accomplish his aims.  He uses his fallen creation to bring all things back to good.  At times, when I allow it, he even uses me.

When we embrace this thought we can get out of the way faster.  We can be of better and more suited use.  The dents, blemishes, and scars become the compass points that help us follow. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)