It's not the packaging, but what's inside -and- Chocolate Chip Cookies

 A little while ago I was making some cookies.  I needed 3/4 lb of butter (and yes, the cookies are fabulous!).  I finished one package and opened another.  I was struck by the appearance of the two sticks of butter.  One is more 'short and stocky' while the other is more 'tall and slender'.  But do you know what?   They both contain the same amount of butter!  

Both packages of butter will accomplish the same purpose.

Although they look different, their value is identical (to help make the best chocolate chip cookies ever)!

So - why do we do it?

Why do we look at someone and judge them because of their appearance?  Do we know anything about them?  Do we understand their story?  Do we know what they have to offer?  Do we know their heart?

My guess is no - we don't.  

Do we really want Jesus to judge us by our outward appearance, or are we hopeful that he will look upon our heart?

I know I don't always present myself well.  For example, I struggle with some anxiety and sometimes if I'm leaving a gathering, I just go.  I don't tell anyone I'm leaving, I just walk away.  Doing all of the hugging and saying goodbye and making sure I don't miss anyone is exhausting to me (and I love hugs).  But sometimes I just walk away.  

I know that Jesus knows my heart.  He knows I don't always try as hard as I should, but He also knows that often-times I do better than I ever thought I could.  

Let's be a little less judgmental, a lot kinder and pull more people into our circle, not less.  And let's do it over a warm chocolate chip cookie!

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Cream together:

3 cubes butter (3/4 lb) softened                

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar                                    

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix well and add:

4 cups flour                                                

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp salt

After ingredients are all mixed well, add:

1 pkg milk chocolate chips                        

1/2 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 pkg white chocolate chips

Mix well and place on baking sheet.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.  (I usually leave them for 15).  You will want to remove them when they are 'lightly' browned, but may still seem a little gooey in the center.  Let them rest on the cookie sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.  They will finish setting up as they cool.  I have three large baking sheets, and sometimes I just pull one from the oven and leave the cookies on the baking sheet and put in another batch on a different one.