Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Potato Chips & Me

August 24 is a special day. Today is the birthday of the potato chip. It is believed that the original potato chip recipe was created by Native American chef George Crum at the Moon Lake Lodge in Saratoga Springs, NY, on August 24, 1853. Crum became fed up with a customer who continued to send his fried potatoes back claiming they were too thick and soggy. So the chef decided to slice the potatoes so thin that they couldn't be eaten with a fork. The customer was delighted, and these "Saratoga Chips" became a regular item on the lodge's menu.

Yep, today is a special day because it's the day that the potato chip was born. Oh yeah…it's also the day I was born. I came into this world on August 24, 1977. However, I would much rather celebrate the potato chip's birthday instead of my own. It's ironic that I share the same birthday as the potato chip, because I definitely have a "chip on my shoulder" about my birthday. I realize that I'm not old, but there's no denying the fact that I'm older.

My family has become quite annoyed with my lack of enthusiasm about my birthday. Everybody wants to celebrate except me. I admit that I am quite the "stick in the mud" when it comes to my birthday. I guess in my mind, it's just a reminder that my life is passing by at warp speed. Sometimes I allow myself to get so busy that life passes by without my noticing…until something like a birthday comes around. A day like this makes me notice how much I haven't stopped to notice. I do think that I'm making strides in this area, but I'm definitely not there yet.

Maybe this will be the year when I always remember to slow down enough to see and appreciate everything that God is doing in my life. That sounds like a pretty good goal. Now, please pass the chips.