I don’t like eggs. I never have, and I’ve always wished that I did.
I went through a short phase when I was little where I would douse them in ketchup, masking the taste. I eventually got over that and stopped eating them all together. I can eat them in things (like fried rice), but I just don’t love them, ya know?
I still try them frequently. Almost any time they are in front of me, I try them, hoping my taste buds have somehow changed since the last time I attempted.
Now we’re in Cambodia, and an egg literally comes with almost every single meal. No exaggeration. And I try them, every time. Fortunately it’s not the only component of the meal, so it’s not like I’m starving over here.
The other day, we found a food cart to eat at in town. The food is super good and so cheap here! Like, $1.50 cheap. Per usual, it came with a fried egg on top. By this point the whole team is well aware that I don’t like eggs (and not mad about it because it means they get more food).
Even with that knowledge, we somehow got on the topic of not liking eggs. Janele asked me if it was a texture or taste thing, to which I replied that it was the taste. I followed up by reminding them all how much I wish I liked them.
Janele made a comment, stating that we should pray for my taste buds. I laughed and told her she should. She replied, telling me not to say that unless I was serious, because she was going to pray if I was. Again, I told her she should because I’d love to like eggs.
So, she prayed.
After she finished, we all lifted our heads and went on with our lunch. A couple minutes later, Kristie held out the leftover egg from my plate and asked it I wanted to try it now. I grabbed it from her, curious.
I had a moment before trying it where I hesitated, knowing the whole team was staring at me. I laughed, commenting on the pressure I felt of liking the egg, and wanting to be honest about how it actually tasted.
So, I tried the fried egg. I chewed slowly, well aware that everyone’s eyes were on me. The taste wasn’t horrible. They encouraged me to try it with the rice, and when I did, it wasn’t bad. I was hesitant, almost questioning if I had made it up in my mind.
I mentioned that I don’t normally try eggs with things (like the meal). I usually try them alone, and maybe that was the difference. Really, just second guessing that this could be real.
Janele responded with a great point. She said that maybe all I needed was a new perspective (aka, trying the eggs with other food). Maybe that’s what the Lord gave me in that moment, and that’s all I needed.
I still try eggs at every meal they’re presented, and since that prayer, I still don’t love them. So anticlimactic, isn’t it? Even still, I think the Lord used that moment to teach me something, regardless of whether I like eggs now or not.
How often do we just need a shift in perspective, rather than a shift in circumstances? More often than not, probably.
And how often do we step out and pray for something like that? Hardly ever, it seems. I’m so thankful that Janele boldly prayed for my taste buds to change. And I’m still hopeful that they can.
UPDATE: I have tried scrambled eggs and a few fried eggs the last couple days and I’ve actually LIKED them! God is pretty cool, don’tcha think?
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