When Peach Cobbler Isn’t as “Peachy”
For 10 months out of the year, there are sporadic times that I can convince my mother to make her world-famous (or so it is to me) peach cobbler. This is my favorite dessert, but especially when she makes her special recipe. I look forward to the infrequent occasions during the spring and summer months to enjoy its savor, especially with a cup of warm coffee.
During the fall, however, Momma ramps up her baking. This dish, full of goodness and grace, is made very often in consideration of fall events, the numerous fall birthday parties & gatherings for family, and holiday celebrations. My elatement in eating the rarely baked peach cobbler in May is starkly different from its enjoyment in December. Her recipe has remained unchanged for more than 40 years; that isn’t the shift in my delight. So, what’s changed?
Have you heard it said, “The grass isn’t greener on the other side?” Or, perhaps “Too much of a good thing makes it not good anymore.” These sayings seem to be strikingly true for my newfound reality; peach cobbler just isn’t as peachy anymore.
A long time ago, in the Old Testament, there was a man named King Solomon, who towards the end of his life wrote a book called Ecclesiastes, which was a big shift from the language written both by him and about him when he was rising in status to the peak of his life. King Solomon was beyond rich. He could make some modern-day billionaires seem as if their finances are nothing in comparison to his wealth at the time of his life.
His life highlights didn’t stop at his money, there was more! He was famous, a King, God-given wisdom, and high social status. He indulged in whatever he wanted, without any cause for question. Although it is said that his many marriage arrangements were politically driven, he had “seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines” (1 Kings 11:3); that seems to reflect more than just politics. King Solomon, like many of us, had a problem with contentment.
When we finally get the long-awaited job, financial status, husband, or…peach cobbler slice, when can we be content? But, not too overtaking that our appreciation is wanting?
King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes said, after his 1000 woman relations, the kingdom, and the equivalent of being a multi-billionaire, that all of his former accomplishments were all empty and meaningless. Imagine that? If the top Instagram account with millions of followers and influence, or the richest person says “it’s futile and meaningless”! Would this revelation cause concern for the pictures on the vision board for 2024?
“When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun.” -Ecclesiastes 2:11
What is the remedy to disillusionment in our spirit when the things that used to drive us to reach for more, or the things we used to look forward to, are both stale and irritating?
There are two suggestions to consider: Gratitude and Humility. As I sit down to my Momma’s peach cobbler dessert, whether it’s in spring or winter, despite having it once a week or once a year, gratitude can make itself at home in my heart. Even if King Solomon had an epiphany and heart revelation, I believe humility could have been the answer for his heart posture of repentance, and rightly aligning himself with God. (The front side of this story is that Solomon deliberately disobeyed God by taking on so many wives.)
Humility often leads us to a realization that nothing should be taken for granted. A humble heart is afforded contentment in every season. Our right view of God is the beginning of either wisdom or folly (Psalm 111:10).
The next time I have the opportunity to have peach cobbler every week, or with months and months spanning the delicious bite, I will be grateful for the taste buds, to taste and my nose to smell, and my Momma to bake the dish. Likewise, I will heed to the suggestion of humility and thank God for the grace to eat and enjoy!
