Borscht is a soup that is popular in Ukraine. The first time I ate borscht was during a dinner with my friends at the Ukrainian church many years ago. They were having a special potluck dinner and had invited me to join. Never one to pass up homecooked food, I gladly joined them.
As I was going through the line getting my food, I came to the mashed potatoes. Next to the mashed potatoes was something that looked a bit like salsa to me, bur I did not see anything next to the ‘salsa’ to put it on, Being the creative person that I am at times, I began putting the ‘salsa’ on my mashed potatoes much to the surprise of my Ukrainian friends.
A few of them quickly said, “no teacher that is borscht” while laughing at my blunder. I asked them what borscht is and they told me it is a soup. Not one to waste food, I sat down and ate my food including the mashed potatoes with the borscht on top. It actually tasted good. I told my friends I sat down with that perhaps I should get more. They just smiled and laughed.
Sharing a meal is a great way to get to know people and build friendships. Jesus often shared meals with people in their homes. He would eat in the homes of people who were looked down on by the Pharisees, religious leaders of the day. One time the Pharisees asked Jesus’s disciples why he ate with sinners. Jesus heard it and replied in Matthew 9:12-13:
On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The issue is not who we share a meal with or what the meal is. The issue is why we share a meal. Jesus shared meals with people to draw them to himself. Likewise, we can share meals in hopes of Jesus drawing people to himself through our friendships.
By the way, borscht is a delicious soup, but I do not put it on mashed potatoes anymore.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Love the story Matt. Food is a great way to gain friends (especially if it’s good). So, looking at the picture…I just made some salsa and got carried away with the thickener. If I add slices of salami, some greens and a bunch of water to make it soupy, am I close???
I think you might be close lol
Nice post dad. It made me smile. 🙂 Love you Papa. 😁
Thank you sweet daughter 🙂
I am happy you smiled
I made chili out of it. added water and tomato sauce and some really hot peppers with some meat and beans. Good stuff. It’s a little like building a cabin because you have some leftover windows on hand.
lol leftover windows
Enjoyed the story! As usual, you find a blessed message to share in between the mashed potatoes and the Borscht.
Thank you Richard!!!
Have you ever tried borscht?
Wonderful story. The soup looks delicious. I am sure you enjoyed it on you mashed potatoes. 😊. Our Lord is a friend of sinners to save the lost souls. Praise 👏 the Lord.