My beloved and I, foodies that we are, were watching a cooking show the other evening when I realized there was more to savor than the mouth-watering photos of the fresh seafood the host was preparing for dinner. Call the experience an unexpected moment of enlightenment.
Turns out Belgium mussels are the gold standard. Many who partake describe these large, tasty morsels as more flavorful than those harvested anywhere else in the world. Given their popularity among locals and tourists alike, it also helps there is a plentiful supply. So, what makes them so special?
Found along the coasts of the North Sea, these mussels exist amid a challenging habitat. With strong currents and frigid water temperatures, these guys have to work to survive, if only long enough to end up on someone’s dinner plate. Those workouts, if you will, are what make them large and tasty.
All of which got me to thinking about mussels of any kind in a broader context. A leap, I know. Yet, the correlation between the quality of these eatable mussels and my spiritual muscles was clear. Why?
It is the struggle that creates the quality and flavor.
The struggle. Ugh.
Consider those times when your little corner of the world presented more challenges than smooth sailing. Nothing like the present moment and the Corona virus as an example. As I’ve talked with directees and friends, two truths have become clear: strong spiritual muscles at the beginning of the pandemic have helped one to persevere and remain hopeful; any spiritual muscles one had have been worked to become even stronger.
Given many of the world’s mussels live and grow in warm, gently moving waters and moderate climates, they are smaller and less flavorful. Not bad, mind you. Simply, not like those of the North Sea.
The reality is, when we struggle we grow stronger. The quality and flavor of who we are as unique individuals created in the likeness and image of God is more pronounced.
As we struggle through the difficulties and challenges, we grow into a deeper awareness of what it means to be kind and compassionate. We are better prepared to resist the temptations that may lead to sin.
We are, in the best sense, in shape—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, all of which contribute to our capacity to love God and others as ourselves.
Are my spiritual muscles in shape?
What do I need to make them stronger?
How’s my “struggle attitude”? Resentful and bitter, or at peace and hopeful?
