Thursday, December 8, 2022
“Mushrooms Are Yuck”
Mushrooms are yuck. I do not like them in a box, I do not like them with a fox. I do not like them with my ham; I do not like them, Sam I am.
I never liked mushrooms as a child, and, as much as I’ve tried, I don’t care for them as an adult, either. Occasionally, I give them another chance, usually to not offend whoever is serving them. However, if I were lost in the woods, I would eat a handful of bugs before I’d eat a bowl full of attractive, flavorful mushrooms. Some things just don’t taste very good. It doesn’t mean that others might find mushrooms tasteful, and I think that’s fine. I just don’t care for them, in any recipe or any form. Is that okay?
Now, a bigger question: Is it okay to not like something that God creates? My affinity with mushrooms can serve as a helpful metaphor. For instance, as much as I love the Holiday Season, I could do without a few classic traditions, such as caroling. But if you like to sing, I’m happy and I’ll listen. White lights are better, real trees are best, and stuffing should be cooked separately from the bird. However, if you’d prefer the other options, I can work with them.
I could even connect my mushroom metaphor to other people’s opinions on certain matters of politics, religion, or even medical science. Although I might not like someone else’s opinion, their position is real, valid, and important because they, too, are a child of God and should be free to express themselves.
Of course, this does not mean that someone can act a fool in a movie theater, disturbing me and everyone else. Nor can they be a plot spoiler to the game, show, or book they’ve already read or seen. In order for me to be completely satisfied, they can only unwrap Christmas presents on Christmas Day (not before), and they should always prefer the original “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” to the other Grinch-like remakes. Other people should agree with me on these obvious subjects, right?! However, I still can’t deny their right to practice such social faux pas… As much as I disagree with them, they are still a child of God and they have value, worth, and purpose in God’s world.
Isn’t it wonderful that God can create someone wonderful like me as well as an herb/fruit/vegetable/edible nasty thing like a mushroom? Both of us are alive and both of us have a purpose. Since it’s Christmas, I can choose to look past your use of Cream of Mushroom soup in the green bean casserole (even though it’s clear that Cream of Chicken is better). Since it’s Christmas, I can choose to give grace to you in your less-than-appetizing selection because… well, because it’s Christmas. Then again, maybe I can choose Christmas every day and give you grace – and peace – like God gives me in spite of myself.
“Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3:12-13, The Message)