Bible Lessons in the Beer Aisle

It’s not a huge secret that every once in awhile, I like to partake in an adult beverage.  I just do.  I’m not going to lie about it.  Margaritas are my favorite, followed by Mudslides, and then, of course, I like sissy beer… (Barcardi Silver).

A 6 pack normally lasts me the whole winter, if not more, but in the summer, it’s a little more frequent.  And by frequent, I mean one a week, maybe less.  It all depends.

There have been a few days after softball, that I would retire to my porch, sissy beer in hand, and just soak up the peace and quiet.  There’s just something about the end of a long, hot day and a drink.

Due to the high stress levels at home the last few days, I decided that when the kids left for their dad’s, I would relax a bit… you know, crank up Summertime by NKOTB, grab a nice, refreshing beverage of the over 21 variety and chill.

The problem was, I didn’t have any.  So we went to the store.

In hindsight, I should’ve gone to the store after they left, but typically by the time they leave on Thursdays I have no energy to do anything, so off we went.  We really did need dog food, and I thought that I would pick some up while I was there.

As I enter the beer and wine aisle, it starts…

Sam: Why does it smell like wine?

Me: We’re in the wine aisle.

Sam: Why?

Me: Because I need to get something.

Matt: You do know that it’s a sin to drink, don’t you?

Me: It is not a sin to drink, Matthew.  It is a sin to get drunk.  The Bible says “do not get drunk on wine”.  I am not planning on getting drunk. I am planning on having one.  Besides, what do you think Jesus served at the last supper?  I can assure you it was NOT grape juice.

Matthew: I know it was wine, but they didn’t put that much alcohol in it.

Me: You don’t put alcohol in it.  It’s not an ingredient.  The wine is made by fermented grapes.  Grapes that sit there a little too long.

Matthew: Well, it might not be a sin to drink, but our bodies are temples.  We’re instructed to take care of them.

Sam: Yeah… we’re supposed to take care of our temples, Mom.

By this point in time I was wondering WHY I was allowing this conversation to continue and WHY my children needed to make me feel like a heathen.  So I did what any self-respecting mother would do… I put them in their place.

Me: You know what?  You guys are right.  We are supposed to take care of our bodies and if it’s considered a sin not to, then I’ll just put back these doughnuts, the ice cream, and the chips.

Silence.

The looks on their faces was priceless… and the 20 minutes I enjoyed on the front porch, sissy beer in hand, was much enjoyed.

Until next time…