A BLT sandwich ( bacon, lettuce, and tomato) made with a fresh tomato from the garden, scrambled eggs made fresh from the coop, a crisp, sweet apple plucked fresh from the tree in autumn, the burst of taste from a ripe orange, the sweet, decadence of dark chocolate…my taste buds quiver just thinking about these foods. Our sense of taste is tied to sustaining our body. Without food, this marvel of a life form cannot live. All life forms need food, but the sense of taste provides joy and pleasure in that requirement and a flood of memories.
During the “dark” years of COVID-19, many people suffered the side effect of loss of taste. We’ve all experienced this for a brief time before when we’ve drank a hot drink or eaten something hot and burned our taste buds. But due to the novel virus, many dealt with this for months and may still be suffering with this distress years later. Some would say this is no great loss, but think about it the next time you’re enjoying some truly gastronomic delight.
Just think of the memories you have tied to taste. When I was a child, my father invited our local family members (and those visiting for the weekend) over regularly and oftentimes would prepare pizza. I still think of those times when I eat the Italian pie. It’s still one of his favorite meals.
Think of the joys and memories you have tied to your sense of taste; make new memories the next time you gather over food, snacks, or even the preparation of the food. Find joy in everyday activities. Our sense of taste is part of that day. (Proverbs 25:16)
May 24, 2025
