Indulge me for a minute as I want to talk to you about your veggies.

There are only 3 instances in my life where I have experienced the unique placeholder of peas and carrots.  the first instance is the use of this rather odd combination as a filler on the plate.  ”Eat your veggies” usually came with the presence of these rather odd looking things on the plate.  

I never really was a fan of peas and carrots.  They have to be cooked a certain way before I’ll pat my tummy and say… “those were good”.  But for some reason they certainly fit the bill in dressing up the plate.  The colors are pretty cool, and you can pile a lot in the plate at very little expense.  In the end, you might agree with me that peas and carrots do a good job as filler and do well when mixed into other dishes… but alone… your typical fanfare does not accompany them when presented at the dinner table.

The second instance of the prominance of peas and carrots came when I was a background “extra” on a TV commercial shoot.  We were told to carry on an inaudible conversation and act natural… then comes the encounter with the veggies once again.  The director of the commercial told us to mouth the words “peas and carrots”.  He explained that doing this would take our mind off of what to say while we went through the facial expressions of a normal conversation.  The peas and carrots became something of a filler (once again) and really had no impact on its own… but as a part of the scene, was a perfect mix.

The third instance of a prominent presence of peas and carrots comes inside one of my favorite movies – Forrest Gump. There is something about the simplicity of Forrest and the complexity of Jenny that lights a spark in me.  If you remember the movie, then surely you can hear Forrest and Jenny talking about how they were like peas and carrots.  Two very different veggies, but often finding themselves together and mixed in with all kinds of stuff to create a rather intricate and interesting life.

I would say with some certainty that our faith is not too far off from this experience with Peas and Carrots. As a Christian, we are presented with teachings that are good for us.  But if left alone on the plate, its really not much more than bland filler.  But when we mix them together with the experiences and people around us, we get a wonderful medley of taste, texture, and fullness.

When we find ourselves on display in front of those searching for life’s answers and life yells “action”.  We can lose our ability to speak about our relationship with God and Christ and we just end up mouthing the words “peas and carrots” while pretending to be excited and interested in the experience and life of those around us.  Our lips are moving, but no one hears what we’re saying… because it’s meaningless filler that points to nothing.

As people of faith, we encounter all sorts of people at different places in life.  The goal is not to smack people in the head with a Bible, hand them a pamphlet, and tell them to believe in Jesus or they are going to burn in hell.  The goal is to build relationships with people and live your life in a way that reflects Christ.  Telling other people how Jesus Christ changed your way of thinking, your concern for others, and your willingness to submit to God’s commands.  

It takes guts to look another Christian in the face and say, “why are you saying peas and carrots over and over?  Don’t you have something to say about your faith?”  Jesus Christ tells us that if we are ashamed and deny Him in our daily lives, then he will look you in the eyes at the day of reckoning… and say… “I don’t know you.”

Either you are a pea or you are a carrot.  By ourselves… not so interesting.  Together… appealing to the eye, but still somewhat of a filler.  Mixed together into the casserole of life… a wonderful addition and tasty treat that allows our true flavor and natural appearance to burst through.

May your conversation be more than “peas and carrots”.  May your life be mixed in with others who are different but long to be in relationship.  May you find your place in the mix of life that allows your true flavor to shine through so you can make a difference in someones life, right now.

Grace and Peace.
Greg
Acts: 4:31
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