It’s 10:45 p.m., and I’ve yet to write anything for today. Having gotten home late the last few nights (I’m in a community theater production), I open up the pantry and proceed to do what I’ve done now three evenings in a row: make a peanut butter and honey sandwich.
Taking my one slice of bread (I just want a half), I scoop out the peanut butter—smooth, of course—and spread it across the first piece. My mom walks by and uses the same spoon to snag a bite of peanut butter from the jar… She says, “I’m not even hungry, I just couldn’t resist.”
Finishing up my snack, I document my PB & H journey on social media, like a good millennial. Soon enough, my friend texts me to inform that he, also, has decided to whip up a peanut butter and honey sandwich. I receive a message from another friend in the show saying she wishes she hadn’t just eaten her own late dinner and missed out on this treat. I get word that the PB & H trend has reached mutual friends across the internet (and nation, I might add). We’re all living out our childhood fantasies of eating what we want, when we want.
Why does a simple topic like a peanut butter sandwich bring forth so much camaraderie? For one thing, it’s simple. Just three ingredients: bread, peanut butter, and a sweet sauce of your choosing (I grew up with honey). Secondly, it brings forth nostalgia, eliciting childhood memories and fond recollections of a simpler time…
Uncomplicated and unifying. The world is such a mess now, I think we’re all craving a sense of serendipity among the chaos.
Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
What’s more humble than a peanut butter sandwich? Life is rarely so straightforward, which makes cherishing the small stuff vital. Some issues are unavoidably messy, but we should all strive to keep our humility about us…and when in doubt, make a PB & H.
Food for thought: What brings you comfort? How do you bring comfort to others?
Rachel Fisher 