The other day I decided to have lunch at a local delicatessen known for their oversized sandwiches and sinful desserts. Whenever I visit this historic eatery I sit at the counter to watch the interaction between over stressed waitresses and grumpy cooks. So that afternoon I relaxed on a comfortable swivel stool, ordered my “heart healthy” meal and opened the paper to the local news.
Before long I heard the arguments begin. A server was screaming at the cook for “color” while he completely ignored her. Again, and this time even louder, she yelled “color” to which he replied in no uncertain terms for her to be quiet. This went on for several minutes until the manager finally interrupted and toned down the discussion to a civilized roar.
As I was paying my bill I asked the cashier if she knew what was meant by the term “color”. She told me it was restaurant slang for parsley. That’s right, parsley. A heated argument over a meaningless herb garnish!
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments,
because you know they produce quarrels.”
2 Timothy 2:23
Sound doctrine given by the apostle Paul. Life is too short and our earthly stay too precious for petty disagreements interrupting our mysterious journey? We need to spend this time earnestly preparing for our eternal arrival and the forever reception? God wants us to love; not squabble, wrangle or bicker.
The following words of Jesus are quoted from the book of Mark,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
Certainly worth repeating.
Manna and Coffee 