Here in Florida we are mighty proud of our oranges. They feature prominently on our license plates, they provide names for some of our cities, one of our counties, and at least two of our sports arenas. And one of the most important products produced here in Florida is orange juice.
If you haven't purchased OJ lately you may not know you can choose your "pulp-level". Do you like your juice smooth? Then go for No Pulp. Do you like it filled with bits of orange? Then go for Lots of Pulp! And there are usually two or three gradations of pulp. Little Pulp, Medium Pulp--it sounds like a citrus version of the Three Bears.
Recently I learned something about the OJ process that really surprised me. When they process the breakfast treat, they don't filter out various amounts of pulp, rather, all versions of OJ start as the basic smooth variety. Then they add the pulp at whatever level is required!
I got to thinking about that, and in addition to getting thirsty, I realized that's a lot like the way we human beings are put together. We all start out as the basic smooth variety, so to speak, and then various distinguishing elements are added as we go along. Religious beliefs, nationality, ethnic backgrounds, language skills . . . lots of variations. But we all start out fundamentally the same.
Why is that so hard for us to remember? Think how much better this world would be if we could see past the differences and recognize the basic similarities?
I'd drink to that--OJ of course!
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