GOSPELGRAM
May
2024
GospelGram
May 2024
On the menu of a popular Spanish restaurant in New Jersey is Paella, a hearty one-dish meal of meat, seafood, rice and other “stick to your ribs” food. On this particular menu it was listed as Spring Paella. It is known to many who frequent Spanish restaurants as a dish that contains rice, peas, tomatoes, green and red peppers,
vegetables and, different from other menus, only two kinds of seafood and sausage.
Perhaps the word “Spring” was added to this particular version because it emphasizes vegetables not commonly associated with Paella or simply because it highlights the seasonof the year. However, despite not knowing why the word was selected, when the dish is presented, it has the feel of springtime with its variety of colors and vegetables.
In Springtime when you happen upon a garden in bloom with its vast number of flowers in countless colors, your eyes are treated to how “delicious” Springtime can be. The words from the Psalms 34:8 “Taste and see the Lord is good” comes to mind.
Paella may have been created in Spain as the “stew” of the Spanish-speaking world when a hearty meal was necessary but a gourmet meal unaffordable. Whatever the reason, Spring Paella is a
beautiful reminder of this season of the year that provides not only variety, color, and substance to feed our bodies but feeds our spiritual essence as well.
Happy Spring!
Rev. Carol J. Hunt, Minister
Unity In Harlem
Harlem Center for Practical Christianity Inc.
This GOSPELGRAM is brought to you from Unity In Harlem and will appear twice-a-month for the immediate future.
