Green Goop and Other Treasures

                 “This is my command:  Love each other.”  John 15:17

            One of my warmest summer memories is camping with friends and family. I grew up in the city and camping was unfamiliar and a strange phenomenon to me. But our dear friends invited us to go along with them and… they had an air conditioned camper! At least I had some of the comforts of home when  it rained, became unbearably hot, and for helping with meal preparation. Our family had our own tent and our girls, who were all under twelve, loved the idea of sleeping outside. Occasionally our friends’ teens joined our girls and gave up their beds in the campers for us.  It was family togetherness at its best.  We camped together several times, including a very wet and rainy November Thanksgiving weekend and a very hot Myrtle Beach in July. The weather didn’t really matter, because we enjoyed each other’s company, playing games, hunting for pinecones, swimming, and walking the beach.  Need I say more? We also enjoyed what my friend Ellen called, “two hour feedings.” Yes, we snacked regularly. One of our favorite dishes was Green Goop. It doesn’t sound very appealing, but it was a delicious salad made with pistachio pudding.

            In John 15: 9-15, Jesus refers to His relationship with us as friendship. No longer servants, He says, we are now His friends. If we think about it, a servant is employed, fulfills tasks, and completes projects.  A friend, on the other hand is a sought after relationship, one marked with joy; one with whom we can share confidences and know that they are securely kept. We want to spend time with our friends. Jesus calls us friends.  He took relationship with us to another level. He desires to spend time with us and reveal truths--treasures-- to us that are life changing.

            Special friendships are rare and precious. With mobility, two income families, and lots of activities, taking time to have friends over for a meal or evening together seems to be rare these days, but that is what’s needed in order to cultivate special friendships. Making time and investing in friendships are worth it. Friendships can be life changing. Our camping times over food and fun were treasures. Though we and our camping friends are now separated geographically, we remain in touch and share milestone moments with each other celebrating new treasures: weddings, graduations, career opportunities, and birth announcements.  And, all of us never fail to recall in a conversation and with a smile, green goop, and our two hour feedings.          

Thoughts to ponder: Read John 15: 9-15 and take delight in a treasured friendship with Jesus.© Marilyn Nutter, All rights reserved.  

                                         Green Goop

2 small packages or 1 large package instant pistachio pudding mix

1 large container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 large can pineapple chunks or tidbits undrained

1 large can fruit cocktail undrained

Mix dry pudding and whipped topping  together.  Add fruits and refrigerate at least 30 minutes until ready to serve.

Marilyn Nutter