Banana Split

My large, extended family reminds me of a banana split: a riot of flavors, colors, varied ingredients.

Perhaps we take turns being mild vanilla, deeper-flavored chocolate, crushed heart-fruit strawberry. Put a wild, crazy groove of that split wide open banana at the base of the creation. Pour over sweet-tart flavored syrups to join the parts. A sprinkle of nuts, enough for all to have at least a touch of nuttiness. Swirls of rich whipped cream, and a couple or three cherries to top it all off.

Each element is unique on its own; each comes in its own container, its own skin; each has its own nature. Each kind of ice cream could be dished and come to the table, elegant in its own right. A banana is a fine and righteous treat by itself. A few nuts—even a dish full of them—are crunchy and delicious. Syrups have various roles beyond banana splits. Whipped cream... well!!! And cherries...

Yet none, alone, has the full force and celebratory power that develops when all are combined. I may be mostly boring, old, plain vanilla—or maybe I'm one of the nuts—but I'm also part of the abundant profusion of life that develops in family, in community. I'm part of the banana split.