the proof is in the pudding

"the proof is in the pudding"

have you ever tasted real pudding?
I mean real
not pull the foil off the top of the plastic cup
not open a box, add milk and stir
real pudding is different

have you ever made pudding from scratch?
again, not opening a box and adding milk
I am talking about this:

• following a recipe
• checking to make sure you have all of the ingredients
• committing to the time it will take
• measuring 
• scalding the milk
• breaking the eggs
• separating out the egg yolks
• keeping track of where you are in the process
• doing things in order
• not rushing 
• finally pouring it into a pan, liquid form
• turning up the heat
• stirring continually so it doesn't burn
• watching it thicken
• when it is done taking it off of the heat and putting it in a serving dish
• licking the spoon
• realizing, this. is. delicious.
• it is worth the extra work

this post may not make sense 
if you have only ever had pudding out of a plastic cup with a foil lid
but if you have had the "instant" variety, open, add milk and stir
and if you have had the open, add milk and cook
you know there is a difference
and if you have had the privilege to eat made from scratch
you are especially aware of the difference

why all this talk about pudding and the proof being in it?

I have been thinking about how my life is like pudding

I see the difference 
there is hard work involved in being "real"
there is heat, (more than once), brokenness and getting whisked
it takes time and isn't always pleasant
but, oh how sweet and satisfying the finished product will be

faith 

hope 

love

we all have faith
in something 
or someone

"I hope..."
sometimes 
is nothing more wanting a wish granted

"I love..."
love is a word is thrown around loosely
or at least I hope it is
because 
"I love pizza"
should NOT hold the same meaning as
"I love (insert person's name)

I say I have faith in God
I say I have hope for this life and the next
I say I love God, my family, my friends, even enemies

is my faith real?
is my hope real?
is my love real?

the proof is in the way I live 
what my choices and attitudes and actions are
the proof is in the pudding

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, 

the conviction of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

"...Now hope that is seen is not hope.

For who hopes for what he sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see,

we wait for it with patience."

Romans 8:24-25

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good...Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 

Romans 12:9, 14-21