On this day in 1869, William E. Semple of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, patented chewing gum.

People chew gum for many reasons. Some think it helps digestion. Some chew to fight bad breath. Others like to blow bubbles. But most people enjoy chewing gum because of the taste. Whether mint, cinnamon, or fruit flavor, the taste brightens the mouth without filling the stomach. So it’s frustrating when a piece of gum loses its flavor and becomes stale and gooey.

Way back in 1959, English musician Lonnie Donegan released a pop song with the title and musical question, “Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?” Eventually it reached number five on the U.S. charts. The song was catchy but silly; yet it touched on the problem of gum losing its flavor, whether in the mouth or stuck and saved somewhere else.

All of our pleasures seem to end way too soon—having fun with a friend, consuming an ice cream cone, playing on a snow day off from school, enjoying a vacation, watching a favorite TV show, and having perfect weather. We want the flavor to last and last.

Days come and go. Pleasures fade. Friendships change. And, eventually, every person dies. Nothing lasts forever—nothing, that is, except everything connected with God. In Genesis 17:19, God tells Abraham, “I will confirm my everlasting covenant.” Deuteronomy 33:27 promises, “The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.” Yesterday’s verse highlights “the Lord’s plans.” First Corinthians 13:13 says, “There are three things that will endure—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” And think of all the verses that speak of eternal life.

So for flavor that lasts, stick with God.

But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children (Psalm 103:17).

To Do

Buy a few packs of gum and pass out sticks to family and friends. Each time say something like, “God’s flavor lasts!”

Also on this day

In Mexico, this is Day of the Innocents.

1945—The United States Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.