How often do we forget the exuberant nature of God? Why do we walk around with dour faces at church as though our displeasure will somehow please God more than being His hopeful, cheerful, grateful children?
And let's not delude ourselves: This grim attitude will teach our children to regard faith with a resigned endurance instead of a delighted enthusiasm. When we model to our children that pleasure, delight, laughter, and food are not God's afterthoughts, but His generous gifts to us all, we do them a great favor.
The psalmist said it so beautifully: "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8). This command is not only metaphorical. I believe that God intended us to experience the full range of beauty in the world as a testament to His generous live for us. To neglect delight, feasting, and celebration is to neglect worshiping God the way He intended us to.
Once, when asked why she was still a Christian, my daughter Sarah said, "Because of pecan French toast with butter and syrup. People chuckled, but I think she was sincere. In the midst of a difficult life and an unstable world, we consistently celebrated God's goodness, kindness, and generosity. And that helped make our lives worth living.
The Gospels are focused toward a good ending — a home to belong in. In celebration we declare that God is not done with us yet. Ultimately, evil does not have the final word. We celebrate in thanksgiving for what God has done, and we celebrate in expectation of His final victory.
And so, it is good to have French toast on Sundays.
Read more about this in The Lifegiving Table.
