Marinade

My husband is an absolute genius when it comes to grilling.  The “Green Egg” was perhaps the best gift my children and I have ever given him.  It’s great not only because he enjoys cooking on the Egg, but we all enjoy the fruits of his labor!  When he is marinating steaks for our weekly Sunday dinner, I love to open the refrigerator – the aroma of garlic, Worcestershire, soy sauce, red wine and lemon waft out of the marinade bowl and into the kitchen.  My mouth waters at the thought!  Through his years of mastering the art of grilling – I’ve learned a little about marinades.  First and foremost – the longer the meat is immersed in the marinade – the better the flavor is locked in, penetrating every savory bite.

It may seem like a stretch, but we humans can be compared to a thick, juicy ribeye.  Think about it, no matter where you are – or who you’re with, you’re being "seasoned" by external factors: people, media, literature, etc.  Yours may be an environment that yields a positive overall “flavor”,  then again the opposite may be true.   

At the age of 17, on the first day of Psych 101, I heard my professor, Dr. Noble share a seemingly meaningless platitude.  He said, “The two things that will influence you most in life are the books you read and the people you associate with.”  At the time – I just thought it was another of countless “cute phrases” often spouted by adults.  However – this particular gem has never left my thoughts. 

 I shared this insight with all three of my children as they entered the highly critical teen years – more than once.  From a mom’s perspective - it was glaringly obvious that hanging out with a group of “hellians” led to negative behaviors, attitudes and consequences.  Conversely, spending time with Godly friends – and studying God's word and other  “good” literature vs. garbage – most often led to exemplary behaviors, outlooks and reward. 

It’s much easier to see “cause and effect” in our children’s lives – but if we do a bit of self-examination as adults – I believe the same holds true.  We aren’t exempt from negative influences around us the minute we turn 18, 25 or even 40.  Saturating ourselves with persons who hold radically opposing beliefs, values and ideals – is a slippery slope (especially for “followers” and “pleasers”.)  It’s easy to begin rationalizing others’ behavior and often only a matter of time before the same negative behaviors and actions become our own.  Our pastor has quoted another individual as saying “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.”  PURE GENIUS! (and with similar meaning to Dr. Noble’s quote.)

Bottom line, we are immersing ourselves in a “marinade” of sorts – daily.  The longer we are soaking in it – the more intensely it will season every aspect of our lives.  We ought to be as intentional as we’d desire our children to be when it comes to evaluating our friends, and other external influences – including the literature. 

Surroundings are influencing each of us - like it or not.  We just have to ask ourselves if we like the way our lives are being flavored...and then be intentional about necessary adjustments.  

If we look around at our friends - do we desire to have a future much like we see theirs?

 T

*Note:  This, in no way,  indicates we shouldn’t rub shoulders with persons who’ve gone astray.  We are called to be a light in a dark world…you can’t really be a light to others if you’re only spending time in a “well lit” area.  We should be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to ALL people….