It is a story he has always been telling and longing for us to hear.
So, what is the story? And who is he that has been telling it? The story is “life that is truly life.” It’s extravagance whether in plenty or pain; it’s real without agenda or arrogance. A “life that is truly life” has been scripted by our Father God since the beginning of time, and he invites us today to see, seek and savor all that he is and wants us to be.

A picture of this extravagance happened at our breakfast table one morning last spring. Maya, Ada and Carson were miraculously in their respective spots at the table with the chosen spoon, cup and bowl eating their “granola and flakes.” I was making lunches for preschool that day, and Ron was finishing up with the breakfast requests. Little did we know what Father had planned to whisper in our ear as Ron stood looking at the fruit bowl.

“Hey, Maya,” Ron said, “would you like a peach in your cereal?” Ron knew that Maya’s favorite fruit was a peach and especially over her cereal in the morning. This was one of our first mornings for peaches as they were just coming in season. Maya gladly accepted the offer.

Just as always, Ron washed the peach, pealed the peach and began cutting small bite-size chunks into Maya’s cereal. This was the way Maya had always asked for it, and the way we had always given it to her. She was grateful. After enjoying each bite of the peach and finishing her cereal, she asked, “Daddy, can I have another peach?”

Ron remembered the other half of the peach still on the counter and said, “Sure, honey, would you like for me to cut it up again, or do you want these slices?”

“Daddy, I want the slices, just like that with the skins on,” Maya said. She consumed the slices and began looking over at the fruit bowl on the counter.

“Daddy, I want more peach.” All that was left was one peach still in the fruit bowl. Ron held it up to her and said, “Do you want me to cut it?”

“No, Daddy, I want the whole peach this time. Don’t cut it,” Maya requested. It was fun to see her confidence and excitement as Ron handed her the final peach from the fruit bowl. Our blessed Maya held that magnificent peach with both hands and lifted it to her face. She sunk her teeth deep into it, and the juice flowed down her chin all over her shirt. Her look of satisfaction was overwhelming.

Both Ron and I stood there and marveled at our 3 year old daughter who had asked and taken hold of The Whole Peach! She ate every last bite and laughed all the way through it. As we watched her, we knew there was something to be learned in this blessed story. So we asked, “Father God, what do you want to tell us about The Whole Peach?” And he whispered . . .

“Child, ask for the Whole Peach! How often are your satisfied with the small bite-size chunks that you have had for all these years? They are known and safe, and you are grateful. But there is more to me, and there is more to life! Ask me for it all.

Did you see her boldness? She knew there was more, and she asked for it. Life is not about responsibility, resources and routine. The “life” is one of adventure, extravagance and peace. Say the same to me –‘No Daddy, I want the whole peach this time.’

Then, did you see her grab hold of it with both hands and the sweet juice fall all around her? Did you see her face of delight? Grab hold of the “life that is truly life” only found in me. Ask, seek and pursue me for extravagance and watch the juice of blessing fall all around you. You are not asking for a life without pain. You are asking for all of me, the giver of all good things and what I want you to know. This life is extravagant though certainly not without struggle. You are asking for sight.

Last, did you notice your delight in seeing her delight? You both took such joy in watching her; I am the same. I delight in you and your enjoyment of all that I have created. It is a blessing for me to watch you. The Whole Peach is a story that I want you to hear and one that I want you to tell. Can you taste it?