When I was a sophomore in college a friend offered me some fresh pineapple. It was pretty good. I noticed, after a few bites, that my throat felt funny and it was getting difficult to breath. Three hours later, the ER doc confirmed I am allergic to the enzymes found in fresh pineapple. He cautioned me to NEVER eat it again.
Sadly, the warning changed the “pretty good” taste rating into “nectar of the gods.”[1] Every time I attend an event offering fresh pineapple I am tempted. Really tempted. The fact that it might kill me elevates the temptation. Pineapple calls to me, “Come Tracy! I am sweet and juicy and cold and delicious and, by the way, I am the nectar of the gods!”
Guess what? Not always, but sometimes, I take a little piece of that pineapple. Occasionally my throat swells up a bit and, while I haven’t had to go to the ER again, I wrestle with my stupidity while trying to breath. But, oh, it tastes like ambrosia. The kicker? I don’t like canned or dried pineapple.[2] It’s just not the same!
It is during these times of weakness that I consider the Garden of Eden. It’s so easy to blame Eve for being weak. It’s so easy to blame Adam for his inability to just “man up”[3] and change the direction of the story. I mean, daaaang, they got us kicked out of the garden! I wish I could say, “If I’d been in the Garden of Eden, I would have resisted the apple because I would have obeyed God.” But I know the truth. Because of pineapple, I understand that I have a sinful nature.[4] If I’m not careful, the very thing that can kill me may become my obsession.
I ♥ Pineapples for reminding me of God’s love in spite of my weaknesses.
All hail the pineapple! At the very least, give it a “woohoo!”
- Little “g” because there is only one big “G” God! [⇧]
- Pineapple upside down cake being the exception [⇧]
- Man Up: to fulfill your responsibilities as a man, despite your insecurities and constant ability to place yourself in embarrassing and un-manly scenarios. [⇧]
- Actually, there are MANY things that remind me I have a sinful nature, but we won’t go there! [⇧]
Filed under Faith |
... to my little corner of the internet. My blog's greatest asset is it’s auto-magically random randomness. A record of a few of my life observations, spiritual ponderings, and goofy anecdotes, I hope you find something that tickles or inspires you.
