Bring On The Chocolate!

14 August, 2014

Being a chocolate fan, it’s hard for me to find a piece that doesn’t satisfy my sweet tooth. I love dark chocolate, white chocolate, and milk chocolate. I love chocolate made with marshmallows, chocolate made with almonds, and chocolate made with graham crackers. Admittedly, I’m a self-proclaimed chocoholic.

Recently, I stepped into a chocolate shop with high hopes. The smell of the warm, freshly poured chocolate from the women behind the counter was enough to lure anyone within a mile of the store. They had free samples for each of their chocolates, and I helped myself to a few of the delights. The honey drizzled milk chocolate was fantastic, the dark macademia nut was incredible, and the white chocolate almond butter cup was out of this world.

At this point, I was on a roll. I couldn’t wait to try their two signature items, the milk chocolate orange zest roll and the dark chili chocolate. I had never tried chocolate with dried orange or chocolate with spice, and my mouth was watering. I knew I would absolutely love them both. I had to, since I had yet to find a chocolate I didn’t love. Every new piece I try becomes my new favorite!

Picking up the orange zest sample, I slowly bit into the fresh-baked slice. Smiling as I chewed, my face slowly formed a frown. What was happening? Why wasn’t I enjoying this little treasure in my hand? Where was that euphoric feeling I usually get? Why didn’t I gleefully pop the rest into my mouth?

I was in shock. Never having tasted chocolate I didn’t like, I finally met my match. Reaching for the spicy chocolate, I figured their other signature item could redeem the odd mishap. Similarly, I ate half and politely set the rest in a napkin, commenting I liked it but was no longer hungry. Confused, I paid for a box of dark chocolate truffles and left the store. What was wrong with me? Didn’t chocolate make everything taste good? Heck, I’d even liked chocolate bacon! I learned to accept how all chocolate is not made equally, some are scrumptious and some are not.

From the day we’re born, we’re basically handed a box of assorted Godiva’s. Each day brings a different flavor, and we’re never certain which type of chocolate new days bring. Upon waking, we wonder, will today be sunny or gloomy? Will people treat me well? Will my hair cooperate? Will I feel cherished, loved and adored, or ignored, lonely, and stepped on?

Becoming a Christian doesn’t lead to a life of constant rainbows and butterflies. We’re still human and will struggle. Waking this morning, my nose was runny, my stomach was upset, and the shower was cold. Feeling down, I went into devotional time with a bad attitude but was soon at peace. But, after reading bout the crucifixion, I had a completely different attitude. If Jesus could give up everything for me, I could deal with my minor ills.

I realized joy is a choice. Through all my hurts, I can keep a smile on my face because I have something eternal to hope for: an awaiting room in Heaven. It doesn’t matter what my day brings; I have enough reason to smile as anybody! Jesus is my Savior and loves me regardless of how my stomach may feel. Through Christ, we no longer need to base emotions off our circumstances. With that to rejoice for, bring on the chocolate!