A Box of Raisins
Most days I like raisins. The little wrinkled snacks are alright . . . most of the time. I’ve eaten these little dried grapes as long as I remember. I’ve always liked them in my breakfast cereal (although I confess I have enjoyed the sugar-crusted ones the most). They are an important part of an oatmeal raisin cookie too. Without them, the cookie tastes a lot like yesterday’s oatmeal. They add a nice touch to several other snacks as well.
An added benefit is that they are good for you! “Fat free, high in potassium, and cholesterol free”–or so the box says. They are even fairly low in calories (not rice cakes, you understand, but not a Snickers bar either). They also contain a bit of Calcium and Iron.
So why don’t I always like raisins? It has to do with that last part–iron. A few months ago, I suffered a medication-induced bleeding ulcer. It landed me in the hospital for a couple of days and necessitated giving me a couple of units of blood. After I was released, my numbers still weren’t quite back to order. That’s when my doctor told me (and my wife) I needed to eat more iron-rich foods to build up my blood.
Since then, I’ve operated under the Mrs.’ orders: one box of raisins a day, every day. Don’t get me wrong, I still like raisins most days, but some days, not so much. Why? Because I feel obligated. It’s like brushing my teeth. I feel good about it when I’m done, but I don’t sit around anticipating the next time. It’s just something I need to do.
It’s kind of like some other important things in life–reading the Bible, praying, attending church, etc. I know I need to do those things, so I do them. Most of the time, I enjoy them. Sometimes, not so much. So what’s a person to do in such times? That’s when we put on our “big boy pants” and do the right thing.
Those “not so much” days are a reality for everyone, even if some won’t admit it. Yet, it is often those days when we need it the most.
While writing this, I finished off today’s box of raisins. I’m spending my time in the Word and in prayer today, too, because I believe it will produce great dividends in this life and in eternity.