This is the fire offering which you shall offer to the Lord: two unblemished lambs in their first year each day
Unblemished –
As in perfect
As in take the very best of what you have
and that’s what you give away.
This reminds me of when I make a round thing
such as a pie or quiche, and I bring it to the table.
The first slice out is always a disaster.
There is no tool for cutting a perfect first slice.
it will fall apart. Half the crust left in the tin.
Lucky at all to get any innards.
(I want you to salivate when reading this,
so you choose if this is your favorite fruit pie
or the savory quiche of your dreams.)
This is the piece I would give to my son
because he was young and I didn’t think he’d care.
Until one day when he said of course I get that piece
because I don’t care. At which point I knew he did.
So then I’d give that piece to my wife, not that she
deserved the broken one, but because I wouldn’t dare
serve myself first. It was a surprise to everyone –
Giving the second perfect slice to our son.
Because he should have the very best.
Not like when we grew up and had to go
uphill both ways to get an explosion of pie.
It’s the same when he asks if he can have
the last of whatever it is. Even though I would
probably love to eat it, he should have it.
These are the sacrifices we have learned to make –
Giving him the unblemished slice.
The very last of the desirable thing.
May he learn to pass this on
to whomever he makes.