Northside Journey

The Great Blue Bell Famine 

of 2015

This summer, tragedy struck the great state of Texas.  Blue Bell Ice Cream announced it would be halting production of a staple of most Texan's diets.  Immediately Facebook, Twitter, and the internet were abuzz with photos of people weeping in the aisles of our local HEB, and savoring their last few bites of Blue Bell that they had stock piled in their refrigerator.  Just reading this probably brings back the pain of that moment for many. 

A few weeks ago Blue Bell announced that you would again be able to get your favorite treat in some towns throughout the state.  The next day traffic between Victoria and Hallettsville increased tenfold….. well maybe not that much, but many made the trip to get their beloved treat.

Why all this talk of Blue Bell you ask?  I wondered occasionally during that time how we might feel if some of our other things disappeared or where delayed.  How would people react if we had a Bible shortage or a shortage of church services?  How would people react if they simply misplaced their Bible?  Would Facebook be a buzz, or would it be the topic of conversation around the water cooler?  Sadly, I doubt this would be the case.  Often times we are guilty of taking for granted what we have, and our spiritual walk is of no exception. We should be filled with a strong desire to spend time with God.  Read the following scriptures to see what the Bible tells us about what our desire for the Lord should look like.

“I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” Job 23:12

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:2

“As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs for You, O God.” Psalm 42:1

All of this is not to say we should not be sad about the loss of our favorite ice cream but it is to say that when we miss our quiet time, corporate worship, prayer time, etc. there should be a strong longing in our heart for that time.  Do you crave your time with the Lord?  Do you miss Him when you get busy and forget to make time for Him?  Do you miss church when you are unable to attend?The “Great Bluebell Famine of 2015” has caused me to take a look at my priorities and move a few things around on the list to make sure that my relationship with Christ is front and center.   Have you done that lately?

For the Journey,
Tom