Everything but the Bagel

You know that feeling you get when you discover something for the very first time? You tell everyone you know? Perhaps you’re so excited you inform the stranger in line behind you at the grocery store? I’ve had one of those moments. Let me tell you about it. 😉

A little story…

I’m big on routines. I like the structure. A few years ago, I probably would say, I am just a go with a flow kind of guy, but as the years have gone by, I realize I love the predictability a routine brings.

One of my routines is a good old fashion breakfast sandwich in the morning. It’s quick and easy and yummy to my tummy. You’ve got delicious sharp cheddar, some Country Crock buttery spread on a piece of hot toasted bread with a little bit of mayonnaise, and a hearty egg. It’s the best.

One day I had an idea…what if I try adding a new spice? Wait, where did this come from? I have a perfect recipe. Why gamble it on a spice? I couldn’t get away from it, though. It was a risk I needed to take.

I open the spice cabinet and remembered we have this spice that’s literally called “Everything but the Bagel.” It’s the Everything Bagel spice without the bagel. Hence, Everything BUT the bagel. I grab the seasoning and bring it over to my already perfected egg sandwich recipe. Terrible thoughts streaming through my head. What if this completely ruins the sandwich? And what if this experience ruins my morning, which completely throws my day for a loop? All because I want to try a spice?!

After realizing I was being ridiculous, I grab the small glass jar and unscrew the lid. I begin to tip the jar at an angle, and the shaking starts. Tiny particles of spices are flowing onto my fluffy egg sandwich.

I put the seasoning down and pick up my sandwich and go to take a bite. At that moment, my whole life flashed before my eyes. Not really. But it did feel like one of those slow-motion movie moments.

I begin to chew, and as my taste buds start talking to my brain, I had a massive rush of delight fill my soul. Where have you been all my life? I thought.

Here’s the thing about Everything but the Bagel…

It’s not just one ingredient but several. It’s got sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, onion, poppy seeds, and a dose of sea salt. Each one of these ingredients could be used alone, but the power comes when used together. If one of those ingredients doesn’t show up to the party, it does not function the same. It needs ALL ingredients to create the impact it was designed for.

The Everything but the Bagel seasoning has been named the most loved product of Trader Joe’s (a grocery store). Think about this. If a couple of small insignificant ingredients can come together and be the talk of the town, what would happen if the body of Christ came together? How much more important do you believe your role is in building the Kingdom of God?

‘But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be a body at all! So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body.’

1 Corinthians 12:18–20

If you’ve felt like you didn’t matter or didn’t bring value, I want to encourage you. First and foremost, you are a child of God. And secondly, you are needed now more than ever. You carry so much value. The body of Christ does not function the same without you. Show up. Speak up. Be present.

Pause for 60 seconds and ask God how He wants to use you as a vital role in His Kingdom? Then listen and act!