During the Thanksgiving holidays, I always enjoy the turkey leftovers. I can just taste the turkey hash Papa makes, the yummy turkey sandwiches, or my turkey tetrazzini.
I know there are those who are adamant about not eating leftovers in any shape or form. However, I personally believe one misses out with that kind of thinking. There are a lot of great, second “main” dishes that can come from the first main entrée.
It’s all about changing our thought process to see leftovers as the overflow. Leftovers are blessings that will carry you through a little bit longer, not because you are in lack or hungry for a meal, but because the overflow is even better than the original first bite.
Now, apply this thought process to overflow in relationships.
Second chance relationships are blessings, not burdens. It could be a second chance at a Meal of Love due to the loss of a spouse through divorce or death. Or perhaps you’re growing in your second chance relationship with God.
Whatever the circumstance around creating a second main dish, here are a few do’s and don’ts to ensure a lifetime of satisfying meals.
Recipe Tips for Relationship Leftovers
1. Don’t duplicate the first dish (Psalm 139:14).
Give the relationship more than 2 minutes in the microwave. Do more than warm-up the same dish or re-plate/reposition the same meal. God created us to be, and continue being wonderful, set apart and unique. Don’t allow the relationship to become the image of a memory, and never allow the true relationship to be revealed.
2. Do enjoy the dish at different temperatures (Proverb 17:17).
Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s cold. Don’t let the fear of confrontation allow you to internalize discord within the relationship. Keep the integrity of the dish intact no matter what. Show love at all times whether it is served hot or cold.
3. Don’t keep the dish bound in the original container (2 Timothy 1:6).
Don’t get caught in routine or the old habits of the past. Give yourselves permission to create new memories within the new union. Stir up the ingredients and become one cohesive dish to reveal the gifts of GOD within your relationship.
4. Do prepare the dish before you’re starving (Philippians 4:6).
When you’re starving, you’ll throw any old meal together just to satisfy your craving – and still end up wanting more. When we rush our meal preparation or are too anxious for overflow, we can miss what was really the best dish of all.
So, WHAT’S the PLAY CALL?
Whether you are working with a turkey, roast, or chicken meal in your relationship, you can always enjoy your leftovers with these bonus tips:
- Add your own sauce and flavoring so the second dish doesn’t become a dried-up version of the original.
- Bring new and creative ideas to the relationship; show the dish its many possibilities with the right cook.
- Let the dish know it is appreciated for what it brings to the meal. Say grace, and give thanks!
