A popcorn philosophy for life

I love popcorn! Sitting by the fire with the family sharing popcorn from a big bowl. Sitting alone, watching TV, munching on caramel corn. Sharing a pan of buttered popcorn with good friends. No matter how you pop it, popcorn is sooooo good!
Someone has to grow the popcorn. Last year I planted eight rows of popcorn. I worked at weeding and cultivating it. In the fall, I picked the popcorn and shelled it. Now as I sit munching on the fruits of my labors, I feel a sense of satisfaction.
On the other hand, I’ve also enjoyed the labors of other people, many unseen and unknown to me. Much of what we enjoy in life is the result of work that others have done.
God alone gives the spark- of-life that enables the popcorn to take root and grow. God alone provides the sunshine, the rain, the soil, and the wind that enables the ears of corn to mature.
God alone provides for each of us by ensuring the harvest. Sometimes there is a bountiful harvest; sometimes we harvest little. Whatever we harvest, we should still give thanks to God. We should also remember to pay a portion of the harvest back to God; it’s the rent we owe God on what He’s given us!
Every grain of popcorn is supposed to pop. God designed each grain to pop to its full potential. Not every grain will pop, as we well know. Some grains will remain unchanged, unfulfilled, useless. So it is with us!
Popcorn takes a lot of heat in order to pop! The hard outer shell has to be softened so the grains of popcorn can become what they were designed to be. God often allows the heat of troubles and turmoil to soften our hardened hearts, so that we are more willing and able to accept God’s help and healing.
Popcorn tastes better when we share a bowl with family or friends! Love and friendship seem to add special seasoning that makes everything in life taste so much better. God has provided us with all we really need; and has given us other people to share our blessings with.
So, pop a bowl of popcorn! Share it with those you love! Give thanks to God for the popcorn, and all other blessings! And enjoy life!