I always thought that the only really good cookie was one which had texture and surprises; after all, what can replace the easy, warm give of a perfectly-savory chocolate chunk, or the nutty, multi-level-satisfying crunch of the walnut, almond, or pistachio nestled so complementarily among its sweet, soft counterparts?
Gems? Yes.
But in glorifying cookies' outstanding qualities, I've come dangerously close to neglecting the frank, simple goodness of their accommodation; without good dough, chocolate and nuts and dried fruits are, at their best combination, trail mix; as such, unfortunately, much less readily appreciated for their special qualities.
In this case, what could be so bold as the peanut butter cookie? A few simple ingredients, a few simple fork-depressions, and this is its existence. Nothing splashy, nothing flashy... only itself.
Or a ginger snap? -- ginger.
vanilla wafer? vaneeya.
It makes me wonder why I could have held such subtle inner aversion to them for so long. I hope I come to appreciate the simple things for what they are -- for all they offer.
Only now have I come to see these plainest of cookies make the best accompaniment for other treats;
what is a glass of (almond) milk without its peanut butter cookie?
teatime without a gingersnap?
banana pudding without the vanilla wafers?
May we all come to find joy evidenced through faithfulness to our trust that
at our simplest,
most earnest,
least-decorated of our own striving accord,
we are most available for serving others well.
What life, when our give becomes not our sweet accoutrements, but our
vulnerable humility.
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