On Jell-O and Jesus!

"Rainbow Jello" CC BY-ND 2.0 by Andrea.Pacheco
Source: Flickr

I had a conversation this week about Jell-O: that wiggly colourful gelatinous dessert. My friend and I were discussing how it reminds us of childhood, as it was such a ubiquitous part of that time: being found in salads and moulds, with fruit in it or by itself, in vibrant rainbow layers or muted when mixed with cream. It was food for a sick child, a cooling force for a sore throat, a hospital-meal staple as it had staying power; even as a spiked treat for older party-goers. We even shared the format: how a minor reduction in water content changed this jelly from a mushy dessert to a ‘jiggler’ of specified forms (stars or cubes or whatever else!).

Part of the popularity of this dessert was, of course, its accessibility: it’s a hard thing to do ‘wrong’ as the recipe is so simple. It’s also an inexpensive dessert, affordable off the shelf and without the need for special equipment at home to make.

Part of the popularity was its versatility: there was always a new way to use this ingredient – as a basis for a dish, as a dish itself, or as an adherent hiding within another dish. It could be used in savoury or sweet dishes. And, (with the exceptions of vegetarians and religious restrictions), it was an ingredient that could be presented to just about anyone.

These days, while it’s not *as* popular, it can still be found – readily – at picnics and parties, at every grocery store in the dessert aisle and in many kitchen pantries. It’s flexible, it’s versatile, it’s adaptable, it’s timeless.

Much as our faith should be!

Perhaps as we continue in the heat of the summer, and as we are re-opening to social gatherings, we can learn from the Jell-O experience – and demonstrate our faith in ways that are flexible, versatile, and timeless. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we became as enthusiastic about sharing our faith journey as we are about sharing our favourite recipes and flavours.

J-E-S-U-S!