God Bless Those Black-Eyed Peas

Every year my family eats black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. It's a long standing tradition and is supposed to bring luck to the upcoming year. I don't like black-eyed peas. There have been several years where I wanted to break free from this superstitious tradition but always end up making a last minute grocery run and having at least a spoonful of Hoppin' John. Even my son, who is not a fan of any kind of pea, shovels down one or two black- eyes, "just in case."

This year we decided not to eat them and actually followed through. When my son asked why were weren't having black-eyes peas, I told him this,

"Last year was a hard year for our family but we made it through it because of our faith in God. Would you rather put your faith in a black-eyed pea or in the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth?" 

Wide-eyed he responded, "Well that's a no brainer. God wins." He followed-up with a cheerful touchdown-type gesture. He was happy that the peas would not be on his plate this year.

I understand traditions; but I don't like black-eyed peas enough to succumb to the last minute "just in case" trip to the grocery store anymore. I have learned first hand that my blessings come from one source: God. (I don't ever remember any black-eyes peas coming to my rescue when I need them.)

God's commandments teach us to love Him before anything else and to not worship any false idols. I'm not arguing that eating black-eyes peas is a sin. I'm simply stating that when you hand over the wheel and put all your faith in Him; these little things become obsolete (and it will save you a trip to the store.) However, if you like Hoppin' John and you feel like eating them on New Year's Day, go for it. Just remember to bless your meal; for in the end, God created those cute little peas too.  As for me...
I'm now free from the pea!!

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