When it comes to baking, I am a big fan of experimenting with “mix-in’s.” Scones are my favorite treat for playing with new flavor combos.
Lemon-blueberry and vanilla poppyseed are classics, but my favorites involve dark chocolate chips. Toasted coconut-chocolate chip tastes like summer. Maraschino cherry-almond-chocolate chip feels like a birthday party for the taste buds. And fresh-from-the-oven, orange-zest infused scones with melty chocolate-chips is the quickest way to my heart.
Let’s be honest: I have a thing for chocolate chips.
It’s true! My husband and I will eat them by the handfuls. We keep an open bag at all times in the freezer, ready for quick scoops for an afternoon pick-me up, rewards for finishing the dishes, and sometimes good ole’ comfort-eating (don’t judge).
Chocolate chips are amazing by themselves, but something magical happens when they are embraced by butter-rich batter and baked to bliss. As the chocolate makes the scone come alive, the scone brings out the best in the chocolate.
I think our relationships are a lot like my scone-obsession. And while this metaphor applies to the togetherness within your family unit, I’d like to highlight the need for staying present within God’s family unit: the church.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
The church can sometimes feel like a ghost town in summertime. God’s people get get busy with trips, summer projects, camping, and outdoor play—all good things!
Still, my heart sinks every time I hear a fellow believer say “during the summer, I worship God in the mountains each Sunday while hiking and fishing.” Or “I only have so many summer weekends, so I need to prioritize spending time with my family.”
Again, both of these are good! You absolutely can connect with Jesus in the mountains (as we already mentioned in Stay Prayerful!) And I have a huge high-five ready for anyone connecting with their kids or loved ones through summer activities.
Still, each of these are like chocolate chips: pleasurable, rewarding, even comforting sometimes. However, if we only ever enjoyed them on their own, we will miss out on the magic God intended.
As delicious as my scones are when they melt in your mouth, nothing compares to the satisfaction of obeying Jesus.
Sure, church is not always fun, easy, or even comforting… but you can be. You can connect with, sing next too, smile at, offer a hug or social-distant wave, and study God’s Word alongside fellow believers. And when you do, you add that irresistible flavor to the mix.
And, believe it or not, the “batter” of believers brings out something in you that you cannot embody without them.
Scone recipes use a unique instruction for this final step before shaping the dough. The baker is to “fold in” the chocolate chips. You don’t chop them into dust, melt them down, and mix the chips vigorously until they bond with the dough… unless you want a tough and flavor-confused scone.
No, you fold in the flavor. God’s people are ready to do the same, to welcome you, just as you are. They can bring out the best in you, if you are willing to be a part of the grand scone, er, scheme of things. They are ready to do life with you—on Sunday morning and beyond!
So stay present by staying together—enfolded in the family of God. Even though it is August, it’s not too late to spend quality time with your church family!
Want more?
Thanks for reading Part 7 of my new e-book Stay Present Summer. There are LOADS of extras in the book, including
- tips for staying screen free,
- Bible readings,
- memory verses,
- journal prompts,
- activities you can enjoy with your kids (or roomies!)
- and more!
Download Stay Present Summer: 7 Ways to Claim Confidence and Contentment This Season here: Get my Free E-book!
