Day Six: The Lessons of Cayenne Pepper

I hate cayenne pepper because it ruins my lemonade.  I hate cayenne pepper because it is spicy.  I hate cayenne pepper because it inevitably settles to the bottom of my thermos, so I get a big mouthful of it at the end of the workday.  I hate cayenne pepper because I have tasted it at every “feeding” for the past six days.

I am grateful for cayenne pepper because, when you put it in lentil soup, it adds just enough kick to make me smile.  I am grateful for cayenne pepper in large quantities because it makes bad chili worth eating.  I am grateful for cayenne pepper because it tests my resolve.  I am grateful for cayenne pepper because it is doing something good for my body.  I am grateful for cayenne pepper because it keeps me honest.

I cannot think of anything in my life that is truly without some redeeming quality.  I do not use “redeeming” lightly, either.  There is redemption for everything and everyone.  It just might take a little longer to find it for something than for others.  

With redemption, there can be salvation.

Redemption.  Salvation.  These are the lessons of cayenne pepper.