Let's Talk Spuds

As I stood in front of the pantry in my kitchen, I was debating on which type of potato to include in my dinner. I found my mind wandering back to my incredible trip to Peru in 2013. My small group of travelers were captivated by one of the lectures we had on potatoes. Of course, one of the most revered foods originates from Peru. We love potatoes!

Did you know that there are over 4000 varieties of potatoes in the world? Most of them are found in the Andes. Each one has a different flavor and hence a different preferred use. Paula Dean taught me that the best potato salad is made with purple potatoes--the ones we can now find in grocery stores. Personally I think her cooking show had a lot to do with them becoming more widespread in the United States. Such an influencer she is…

It is indeed interesting that there are so few varieties available in this country. We cannot help but wonder why. Have we become so engrained in our habits that there is virtually no demand for more? For different? Have we become so stuck on having Idaho baked potatoes with our steak that we forego any consideration of switching to other types? Why? Is it because we were taught this? Are we afraid to venture out from the comfort zone of using the same old, repetitious pattern of behavior? How do we break out of the mold for which we have been fitted? 

Every once in a while, there comes along a brave soul who bucks the system of patterned behaviors. They introduce us to something new, more pleasing. They offer an enrichment to our mundane lives. They introduce us to the spiritual awakening of our own souls. We become more daring. We reach out to discover and grow--to gain knowledge and maturity.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NIV

Spuds are a lot like people. There are thousands of different languages, cultures, and races. And every single one of these peoples have developed patterns of tastes and behaviors that have become so deeply ingrained into their daily repertoire. Things seem normal because that is the way they have always been.

In today’s age of globalization and advancing technology, change has now become inevitable. This change can be positive or devastating. The key to successful change is dependent upon the right influencers to step up. The masses need to gain the confidence to seek out these individuals and adopt those new attitudes and behaviors that promote truth and justice—which only come out of a place of love. For love is at the root of any spiritual journey.

Think of us all as spuds. The God-favored roots of humanity that only grow and mature with good knowledge, meaningful insight, and a lot of love.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, Philippians 1:9-10 NIV





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