Recipe for Life 

   I enjoy cooking.  I’ll try just about any recipe that catches my eye.  Sometimes they turn out great, sometimes they go straight to the trash can.  Either way, I enjoy giving it try.

   I’ve learned that it’s very important to pay attention not only to the ingredients of a recipe but also to the overall directions.  It does no good to put all the right ingredients in and then cook it for too long or not long enough.  Turn the heat up too high and a great recipe can become a burnt mess.

   I think life is very much the same way.  There are many ingredients that can be added to enhance life but if misused or added in the wrong amounts they can also cause problems.

   Of all the ingredients needed in life, I find that love is the one over-riding necessity for a good life.  The love of a spouse, the love of children and friends add so much to the great stew we call life.  But the love of God is the one ingredient that no life can be complete without.

   Add some scripture, some readings of a holy nature.  Mix well with prayers, meditation, and some contemplation.  Some sacrifice and giving of alms add so much to the mix.  Include a generous amount of Mass attendance and reception of the Holy Eucharist.  Confession of sins on a regular basis enhances everything.  Above all, follow the directions of God’s will.

   Some things should never be added if life is to be properly prepared.  There should never be any hatred, bigotry, or pride included.  Adding self-interest and arrogance are like adding far too much salt.  These things will always spoil the recipe.  The gifts of God are great seasonings, but the misuse of those gifts will ruin the whole thing.

   If we add the ingredients God calls us to and avoid those He warns us to eliminate we will always come out with the proper recipe for life.

 

Your will is the recipe for life.

In You is all I need.

 

Amen