Zucchini

Year 8-Day 183: Today, I am grateful for zucchini.  

I've always loved zucchini and the love of my life has discovered is isn't "awful", too. It is a wonderfully versatile and healthy squash option. From zucchini noodles to zucchini bread, it is a multi-functional food. Low in calories and carbs, it is perfect for those hoping to lose a few pounds. 

We actually planted some this year in our small garden bed. We will see how much it produces. People joke about not being able to give it away, but we always seem to use it up. 

Perhaps the abundance of something like zucchini may seem overwhelming, but it is a blessing when you have plenty to share. Ask me what I think in a few weeks. 

This tuna melt recipe is low carb and low calorie with some spice. I'm thinking we will be trying it soon. It is colorful, too. 

This weekend, we will celebrate the 4th of July and share food with family and close friends. The gatherings will be smaller than usual and the fireworks missing, but there will still be food and fellowship. Zuchinni will likely show up, although it is not red, white or blue in color. We will share gifts of food and the mood will be festive. 

I am reminded of a passage in Nehemiah when the Israelite people were... for the moment... listening to God's words and commandments with understanding. They had not been gathered in many years the way Nehemiah was bringing them together. Conviction was heavy on some hearts, but Nehemiah told them to celebrate. They were finally getting back on track with God. This is what Nehemiah said:

"So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them." -Nehemiah 8:12

The Festival of Shelters was a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt when they lived in tents. They would celebrate by creating shelters to live in during the festival. Perhaps, they spoke of the manna and quail that God provided them daily and how they tired of the same food every day. Or, maybe they longed to taste bread from heaven once again. 

Zucchini isn't exactly bread from heaven, but it is abundant in season.  

Today, I am grateful for zucchini.