Family

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"Clean your plate"
Because we grew up so poor we were taught not to waste anything, especially the food that was set before us. Mama used to say, "what you waste, you will want, so be sure to clean your plate. It might be all you're going get today."
I still clean my plate to this day.
As I was thinking about her advice I felt the Lord say to me. "It's the same thing with the people I have put in your life,... clean your plate. O' You may not like some of the folks I put on your plate, but you still got to clean it. If you only love those who love you back, what good have you done? Some folks will be like spinach, asparagus, or collard greens, and some will be the steak, the mashed potatoes and gravy, but I AM the one who has set your plate and they all have a reason for being in your life. If you will just taste each one you'll find out the some of them are a little bitter, some are tangy, some are nutty tasting, and some of them are sweet, but all of them will bring balance and healthiness to your life, that's why I put them there..... for your good and for your balance."
Wow, what a revelation,,, we all know those in our family or circle of friends who are bitter or sour, kinda nutty, and those who are tart and tangy, and we tend to shy away from them and consume only those who are tasty and sweet. We tend to love those who agree we us, and shun those who do not. I think what God is saying here is... "If you want to be really healthy, mature and wise, you will include ALL of the ones He has put on your plate and NOT just the ones you like. It is so easy to get along with those you like, but those who aggravate you and are not to your taste, may be the ones you need the most. They may bring vital nutrients and ideas you need to be strong and alive in Christ..... ie Iron sharpens Iron."
One thing I know for sure is that if we will include those who irate us the most, we will become wiser, stronger, and more mature in the Lord, than if we don't.
So give a call or go see those who you haven't seen in a long time, those who you have problems with, and let the Lord cause healing, forgiveness, and restoration with all those (spinaches and greens) in your family or friends that you may not care for. They have a purpose or God wouldn't have put them there. God says you'll be the better for it. (Note: you must do it with a humble, forgiving and loving heart)
Besides, if we are going to spend eternity with them, we better start enjoying them in the here and now...... "Clean your Plate."

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