My wife and I love to watch the show “Top Chef” every chance we get.

I love to watch the cooks prepare their dishes and present them to the judges. They labor and toil. Sometimes things turn out right. Sometimes they don’t turn out so good. Sometimes the flavors are “spot-on” and sometimes they leave a little to be desired. But they always say this phrase after they give the description of their dish…

“Please, enjoy.”

I had a conversation with a friend today and she was, to say the least, a little frazzled and frustrated. She has not had the best of weeks so far. I tried to encourage her by saying “Hey, just take a deep breath and try to enjoy your day.” (Those of you who know me know that is one of my favorite phrases.)

I thought as walked away from our conversation “God must be a lot like one of those  Top Chef contestants.” He creates beauty all around us. He puts the events of our lives together as a chef would a wonderfully, flavorful, five course meal. He knows that some of what we face will not be pleasant. He knows that some of the events of our lives will taste of pain, suffering, betrayal, loneliness and disappointment. He knows that there will be times of great joy and times of great sadness. Yet, He says to us “This is what I have created especially for you. Please, enjoy.”

Jesus said it well in John 16, verse 33: “These things I have spoken to you that, in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take  heart, I have overcome the world.”

And even Paul knew what it meant to  have peace in times of struggle. He said in Romans 8, verse 28 “For we know that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are the called according to his purpose.”

Are you enjoying what God has prepared for you today?

Be blessed!