We all have our favorite things that we greatly enjoy; sometimes though, it is fun to embrace something different, something totally new. The truth is, you never know unless you try the unexpected. Change can be exhilarating!
I often order the same exact thing when I eat out at a restaurant. I love crab cakes. I could eat them every single day. I love lasagna, and eggplant parmigiana. I could eat these same items over and over again, and never be unhappy with my choices. Still, every now and again, I will venture into the unknown…try an unusual entree, and guess what? I am often pleasantly surprised, and may even love it!
By trying something different, we often find a new favorite. This happened to me with salmon. I kept reading about how salmon was so good for you. I did not think I would really like it until I gave it a chance. Now, I love salmon, not because I think I should eat it, but simply because I really like the taste.
It is the same for most everything in our lives. We get used to doing things a certain way, and then we think we always need to do it that way. In this respect, I have learned so much from my children. Traditions are wonderful, but little change-ups in tradition can reveal even better outcomes. My son in law suggested that I bake some of my Swedish meatballs, instead of frying them one pan at a time. I still do it both ways, but it sure helps at Christmastime with our smorgasbord!
The garden has taught me to celebrate change in novel ways and to enjoy all those delightful surprises that inevitably occur. Bulbs bloom where I did not plant them. Seedlings that are not supposed to return come back year after year. Plants I did not even think would survive, doubled in size and multiplied.
Yes, there is much to be learned when we step outside our comfort zone just a little. It is a big world out there with so much to see and do. We do love the tried and true, like a garment we know fits us to perfection. But every now and then, when we venture off the path of familiarity, our lives, like our gardens, grow exceedingly well.
“Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:5
I love this message, Linda! I have my favorites to order at a restaurant, too, but like you when I branch out I am usually pleasantly surprised. May we be on the lookout for new things God is bringing our way! For growth, for beauty or for enjoyment of all He has made!
I love that thought…we must be on the lookout for the new things God is continually bringing into our lives. Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂
Thanks for the reminder! I tend to get stuck in the familiar, but I have rarely regretted it when I actually do try something new. And I never regret it when I’m allowing God to nudge me into something new!
We all need those nudges! God likes to surprise us with things we never dreamed possible!
You are absolutely right about taking a risk to try something new in our lives. I retired after 40 years of teaching nearly a year ago (my, where did the time go), and I tried something radically different with writing poetry.
By the way, my better half introduced me to Maryland blue crab years ago. Now crab cakes, crap dip, crab omelets, and cream of crab soup find a place to park.
You are a poet! I am glad that you followed your passion. My husband and I love all the things you mentioned…crab dip is very high on the list! You just can’t go wrong with any of it!