In the 17th century in France, a new tradition began to unfold. While it wasn’t entirely new—after all, there’s nothing truly original under the sun—it was given a specific name: “desservir,” which means “to clear the table.” This tradition involved an additional course of food, primarily sweet dishes, and it is from this word that we derive our modern English term “dessert.”
It has become routine in many households to follow a meal with a bit of sweet food. There are various theories about why this practice started. Some suggest that since sugar is difficult for our bodies to digest, it’s better to consume fiber and proteins first to aid digestion. Others propose that the French understood that eating sweet foods after a savory meal intensified the sensation from the sugar, providing an extra burst of flavor.
I appreciate this reasoning, and I also love a good dessert. Thankfully, I married into a family where my mother-in-law makes delightful desserts. Every week, my boys and I eagerly wonder and try to guess what the dessert will be this time. Whether it’s a triple chocolate mousse, peach crisp, or a warm cookie, we know the wait will be worth it.
As Christians, when we consider our lives, they can be good and fulfilling. Yet we always look forward to the sweet “ever after,” the “just desserts” of life. I am confident that whatever I experience here is just a foretaste of the greater glory awaiting me in the life to come. As Paul writes about our physical lives: “It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:43). Regardless of my experiences here, I know that what is to come will be filled with even more glory and power.
One passage of Scripture that illustrates this is found in the life of Jacob, specifically in Genesis 28:10-22. After acting deceptively, Jacob must flee from his brother and family. While escaping, he stops to sleep for the night, using a stone for a pillow. He then has a dream in which he sees angels ascending and descending on a ladder.
When I read this passage, I am struck by two things. First, Jacob perfectly reflects our human condition; despite his despicable actions, God assures him of His faithfulness. Second, even in a state of discomfort, with his head resting on a rock, Jacob receives a glimpse of glory beyond compare.
This experience transforms Jacob’s life. He pledges his allegiance to God, and although he doesn’t immediately change his deceptive ways, he begins to see a bigger picture—that God is in control, and His glory surpasses our own. This mirrors our lives; we too face painful circumstances and may feel as though our heads are pressed against a rock, yet we can hold onto the promises of God. We have all behaved in less-than-honorably ways, but God remains faithful, and His word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
I can be certain of two things: in this world, I will encounter trouble, and God is faithful regarding His promises. No matter what pains and trials I face while I am here, I will look forward to the next course, my “just desserts.” I will dream of God’s glory and the sweet “ever after.”