God is so beautiful. He came to heal us. Just look at all the varieties of food He gives. They don't merely sustain; they heal. The fact that He created food even to heal ailing bodies shows us He didn't come for the perfect, but for those who need Him.
You know what else is healing? Relationships. They have purpose. Just think of compatibility for a minute. I love to cook, and to me it is an artistic science. The art of putting together delicious flavors that compliment each other. I believe our Heavenly Papi has given us flavor combos to show us that certain chemicals working together will actually bring about a good result. But that is only when our tastes are pure. If we are eating because we are looking for fulfillment or comfort, our tastes will be off. We will pair things together that are too sweet, or too fatty, in an attempt to heal our own pain (I mean, SOMEONE came up with deep fried Oreos, right? Or even double chocolate cake.). But we will only have a brief relief as the flavors pass through our taste buds before making us feel ill afterwards. Or if we make things too spicy because we are trying to awaken our deadened senses, we'll enjoy the spice, but reap an ulcer.
But if our tastes are healthy, we will perceive better. We will pair things that are delicious and that actually work together for the greatest results! Think of tomato and dairy, performing opposite one another from time immemorial! Starring in pizza, lasagna, chicken Tikka Masala, quesadillas with salsa, etc., they have been good together. Note how the softness of the cheese or cream counters the acidity of the tomato, making it more digestible. Or consider a sweet mango with a little lime spritzed on it. The two actually bring out one another in ways that nothing else does! Or how about salmon with a creamy mustard wine sauce? The sauce not only brings out the flavor of the fish, but the acid in it also tenderizes the meat!
This is how we are with one another. Relational compatibility is an art mastered only by the hand of God. Because you can't really know what compatibility is unless your spiritual senses have been sharpened, God is happy to show you since He created you. Everything around us tells us that compatibility means having everything in common. That's good, but is that really compatibility or merely a relationship that doesn't challenge you much? And some say you need to be opposite to be compatible. Well, how do you know that's not just you being bored with yourself and wanting to surround yourself with people who fascinates you with their differences? Either or both (similar people and opposite people) may be good, but they may not. You really can't figure it out.
Not by yourself, anyway! God Himself, who made every heart unique and lovely, wants to put you in the right friendships and relationships. He teaches you to recognize healthy relationships, thereby sensitizing your relational taste buds. God Himself put our families together. Notice how families are just right? Not perfect, but if you forget about the drama (remember, no one is defined by their mistakes), you see that you are each well-suited for your roles. Since my parents had the same talents that we, their kids, had, they could help us cultivate them. My dad is an entrepreneur, so he can help me as I start my business. And my sister Steph, a nurturer, was placed as 1 of the oldest because my brother and I need her leadership.
So it's like those healthy combinations of food. Relationships, when they are right, can be amazing! Have you ever met two people (a set of friends, a pair or siblings, a couple) that are dynamic? I once met this couple that changed my life. We all sat at the same table at a wedding, and I was struck by how the husband clearly loved his wife, but was able to relate on a personal and meaningful level with all the women there. There was no questioning his motives; he merely realized that a woman's worth is not in whether or not she would make a good date. He actually got to know us as people, and I felt so honored! And his wife contributed by her friendliness and the fact that she didn't get jealous or possessive. Their pure and fun relationship was powerful! These kinds of relationships can bring healing, protection, and great partnerships that change the world!
So let God knit you together with others. It may not look the way you expect, but it will be all you hoped for and more if you let Him change your lens! Happy relating!
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