God's Soup

When I saw that some of my sixth graders had a tendency to pick on or ostracize someone who was a little different, I’d bring to discussion the idea of God making soup. "If you were to make soup," I’d ask, "what ingredient would you want to put into it?" As they called out their responses I listed them on the blackboard for them to see. Usually they mentioned their favorite vegetables or meats.

"What about the broth?" I’d ask. "How would you make the broth?"

One child would invariably raise their hand and call out, "You have to start with water to cook everything together."

"And add seasonings," another would offer.

I’d then ask whether the vegetables and meat should be fresh and their response was always a definite "yes". Once they had the pot of soup simmering in their minds, I pointed out that it took all of those things to make a good tasting soup.

"Now," I’d say, "think about how boring it would be if only one or two ingredients were used...how it takes all of these different things, cooking together to make a delicious pot of soup. Then think about how different we all are and how we’re all a necessary part of God’s soup.

Invariably one might call out, "I’m a carrot, " expecting a laugh from the others. (There’s always at least one). I’d simply smile and say, "I hope you’re a fresh carrot and enjoying the company of the corn and peas because we’re all part of the soup."

One of the great things about teaching kids is that I too am reminded of how we are all different and our differences necessary to the "flavor" of life.... of how we are all part of God’s wonderful soup... of how He provides the living water in which we all simmer. Not too bad an analogy, I think.

It bothers me that there is so much judgment....that we (and I include myself) have a tendency to judge others just because they’re "different". When I realize I’m being pulled into that trap, I fall back on what someone once told me, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." That simple phrase helps me step back and take stock of myself and how I respond to others. (That could be me.) Then there’s "Judge not, lest you be judged." (Matthew 7:1-5). 

Jesus gave us two commandments, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-38) 

These are the only commandments we need to be part of God’s soup.  No one wants or deserves our judgment.....only our love.