The Cookie

If you’re like me, the word cookie conjures up many memories. I can hear the mixer mixing the dough. Dry ingredients. Wet ingredients. Measuring. Mixing.

I can feel the warmth escape the oven as the cookie sheet slides inside. Ready to puff up and spread out as the heat does it’s work.

As the timer ticks away the time, my mouth starts to water in anticipation. I can smell when they are ready even before the ding. Then that satisfaction of beautifully baked cookies. They are ready to cool, just a little, before the devouring.

Cookies. I’m not picky. I like all kinds. I take them crunchy or chewy. I go for frosted or plain. Round or shaped, I do not mind. I like cookies.

So yesterday, when I went to the convenient store for sub sandwiches with my co-workers. The big decision was; chips or cookie or both? You can guess what I chose.

Standing in front of the cookie display trying to decide which one to get. There it was.

One delicious perfectly baked cookie on the tray. All alone.

Not chosen.

I can identify with that cookie sometimes. Feeling like you have been overlooked. Unwanted. While others are picked over you. You sit alone.

You know deep inside you are just as good as the others. You look just as good. Smell just as good.

But still you are left.

Then a memory came floating back into my mind. This little blond headed girl. So excited, as she reached her small hand inside the cookie jar and declared, “I got the last one!” All smiles of sheer delight.

It made me think about being chosen. Scripture tells us often about God’s love for us. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…” Colossians 3:12a NIV. “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NIV. The creator of the universe has chosen us and loves us!

I suddenly didn’t feel so bad for the cookie all alone on the shelf. I knew that someone would come along and be blessed to get that last cookie. It would be loved!

Dear Loving Lord, thank you for loving me and choosing me. Help me when I feel forgotten, alone, unwanted and abandoned. Help me to remember that you are always with me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.