I went to a wedding shower for Lisette, my friend and co-worker, on on Thursday night. For the past few weeks, she and I have had this endless conversation about these granola bars that I make. When we first started talking about it, I gave her the recipe, but she misplaced it. I wrote it out a second time, but she had not had a chance to make them yet. But we’ve been talking about them forever. Well, I decided that even though it had nothing to do with a wedding, I would make some for her and throw them in with the rest of my gift to her. Then the more I thought about it, I realized that this list of “ingredients” might be a little more “wedding-oriented” than I originally thought. I decided to have some fun with analogies and include a “Recipe for Success” for her married life as well. The neat thing is, I think this meant more to her than my “real” gift (something that is green and always the right size…) Here’s the actual list of all the ingredients I used (except that I forgot the flour…) along with my analogies…
DATES ~ go on them! Do special things for each other to keep your relationship sweet!
NUTS ~ do silly things together! There is a time to be serious, but don’t be afraid to go nuts and get crazy every now and then.
OATS ~ the “bulk”, used to keep things moving (and not just your digestive system!) Make sure you have good communication to keep the relationship moving forward.
MAPLE SYRUP ~ Keep your focus on God – that’s the glue that will hold all the other ingredients together!
WHEAT GERM ~ As your start your new life together, keep some old traditions from childhood to remember where you came from (*Lisette had told me stories of how wheat germ reminds her of when she was little, b/c her mom would make her put it on her oatmeal)
FLAX SEEDS ~ As you grow together, start some new traditions that are just yours! (*Lisette was not too sure about these when I first mentioned them, and I had to bring her some for her to sample…)
EGGS ~ Cast your cares and worries on Christ. “Take my ‘yoke’ upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
VANILLA ~ the old standby…simple, everyday experiences together can add lots of flavor and meaning to your relationship…
CINNAMON ~ …but don’t be afraid to spice things up a bit, and find new ways to keep your relationship colorful!
Who knew granola bars could be a metaphor for good relationships! 
Lisette said that she is going to frame it and put in her kitchen as a reminder for both her and Jay on the days when (not if!) being nice doesn’t come natural.
