I enjoy cooking, not just the half art, half science aspect of cooking, but I like to see other people (my family) enjoy my cooking. I also enjoy seeing how people in other parts of the country (or world even) enjoy food that is important to their local culture.
There is one food that can be found all over the United States and beyond: the humble hotdog. Every region in the U.S., I have learned, will have its own take on this meat product. To some, its comfort food. To many, its a quick meal for a family or even a late-night snack. But no matter where you go and who you talk to, everyone has their own version on this.
A proper hotdog requires two things: The hotdog itself and some manner of bread roll. These are the foundation blocks that make up a hotdog. You cannot have one without the other… its simply not a hotdog. This is not up for discussion, this cannot be augured. No self-respecting person squirts ketchup in an empty roll and eats it. Just ain’t right. And one should not eat a hotdog without a roll. Show some respect to the dog and at least wrap it in a slice of bread, okay?
The hotdog could be the cheapest off-brand in the grocery store or an all-beef big-name brand dog, or maybe one of those fancy Nathan’s or Oscar Mayer or Hebrew National dogs. Or, as us locals enjoy- nothing but John F. Martin’s dogs, and obviously JFM’s cheese dogs are a favorite among our children. Whatever your preference, a hotdog is not a hotdog without the actual hotdog, Get it? Good, thought so.
The roll… if you’re like me preparing a hotdog feast for the family, you grab the 8 or 16 packs off the shelf in the bread aisle at the grocery store. Normally its whatever “house brand” that exists and/or on sale that day (remember SureFine?). Some who love their numerous condiments & extras go for a larger hoagie roll so there’s room for toppings (more on toppings & condiments later). Of course we have variations of the concept like corndogs, pig-in-a-blanket, pancake battered dogs, etc.. Again, the basics have to exist.
Where am I going with this and why am writing about hotdogs this morning before breakfast? Believe it or not, the hotdog we’ve all come to enjoy has a lot in common with our spiritual walk. The hotdog itself is like God’s written Word (the Bible) and the roll is much like the Holy Spirit that guides us. We can’t have one without the other, we can’t choose to exclude one and still follow the other. It doesn’t work that way. Together they make up our spiritual “GPS” or internal guidance system.
Reading God’s Word without the prompting & guidance of the Holy Spirit is like eating a cold hotdog (most hotdogs are already cooked, BTW. You won’t get sick). Sure, squirt some ketchup on it, but really, how enjoyable is that?
Likewise, trying is follow the Holy Spirit is much like I mentioned earlier: adding condiments to an empty roll and eating it. You left something out of the equation. You’re basically eating a ketchup sandwich. Its not a hotdog unless there’s an actual hotdog. Remember, this requires the basics.
How that hotdog is cooked & prepared, what condiments & toppings are added and how its enjoyed…. that’s a story for next time! Until then, may God add His Blessing – Steve
Milepost 81 