A slice or a loaf?

Imagine a wedge of that all-American-favorite, apple pie, sitting before you.

The crust, no store-bought, sawdust-dry thing, is homemade by a master hand, with each flaky layer begging to fall apart in your mouth.

The apple slices, each one encased in shimmering filling and showing specks of cinnamon and dots of juice, are bulging from the sides of the wedge of pie.

A fork is in your hand. What are you waiting for?

Now imagine that you have an appointment at 1:30, and the clock on the wall by the table says 1:15. You need at least ten minutes driving time.

You can't bear to leave this piece of pie untouched. With one eye on the clock, you quickly clean the plate, brush the crumbs into the trashcan, and exit the lonesome kitchen.

Pause. Rewind time.

Now you are sitting again in front of that apple pie. This time you are at the end of a long day. Your family is also gathered around the table, each member with their own piece of pie. A red-checked tablecloth shows off each plate to advantage. Pleasant conversation flows between each person as you slowly savor each and every bit of pie. The flavors explode in your mouth with juicy goodness. When your plate is clean, you lean back in your chair - perhaps lifting the front legs off the floor slightly - and soak in the feeling of contentment.

You have one life.

My Pastor says that life is like a loaf of bread. You can slice it thick or thin, but in the end you have only one loaf.

Too many young people - or middle age people, for that matter - are rushing through their life. They can't wait for the next stage. To be able to drive. Or marry. Or have children. Or have grandchildren.

When you eat slowly, you fill up more. You don't get indigestion. It takes less food to satisfy your hunger.

Be content. Take time to enjoy your piece of pie.