The Chopped Challenge

Last week my son wanted to try something new for dinner. He really wanted us to give him a "Chopped Challenge". Him cook us dinner??? Well...OF COURSE!!!!

If you have ever seen the television show "Chopped" on the Food Network, you would know what he meant by the challenge he wanted. On "Chopped", the contestants are given a mystery basket that contains secret ingredients...most of which are highly unusual and would NEVER be put together under normal circumstances. Then the goal is to make a dish...and appetizer, entree, or dessert...using those mystery ingredients. The contestants must use each ingredient given in the basket....however, they can also add anything extra they would like. It is so very interesting to see the creations these talented chefs come up with!

So....when my son asked us about this, we quickly agreed and began compiling our own list of mystery ingredients. We didn't want to be too difficult, but on the other hand, we wanted it to be a challenge for him!

My husband went grocery shopping for this special event and came how with a very interesting assortment....

1. Chicken
2. Cool Ranch Doritos
3. Croutons
4. Potatoes
5. Easy Cheese...squirt cheese in a can

What a combination!

Tra went to work and took the next hour or so making his own creation. He did quite well, I do have to say! He made chicken, dipping it in egg and then into crushed doritos. Then he fried the chicken in oil. Next he sliced the potatoes and gave them a coating of crushed croutons and spray cheese. These were also fried in oil..........making our dinner so very healthy!!!

The end result...a very good dinner! Although he was not very pleased. Tra felt the chicken and potatoes didn't have enough flavor. We didn't agree and thought everything was good...and it was very nice to have our son cook for us!!!!

So this whole thing got me thinking. Chopped. The whole idea of the show is to use what you are given and to make it into something wonderful.

Isn't that what we're suppose to do with what God has given us also?

God has given each and every one of us specific giftings and talents. If we take what He has given us and nurture that and use it the best way we can, it will turn into something beautiful...and effective for His kingdom!!!

But..........................if we don't use our talents for God, they go to waste! Just like on the "Chopped" show, if a contestant forgets to use some of the ingredients, they are usually the ones CHOPPED and sent home!

The contestants could spend all their time wishing they had different ingredients.....or they could spent their time utilizing what they have been given.

In the same way, we can spend our lives wishing we had different talents....or we can use the ones God has given us.

Now that's not to say that we can never develop new talents. I know from personal experience that is possible. Just a few months ago, I wouldn't have known what to do with a guitar if you put it into my hands...... Now...after much practice...and sore fingers...I have learned how to play some songs!!!!

The point is, God has gifted us with talents....AND desires to nurture/develop other talents. So embrace your "CHOPPED" challenge and use the talents He has given to you!