My good friend went to a restaurant the other day.
Of course he didn’t take me to the restaurant, but I didn’t hold a grudge against him for it. (That’s what I told him anyway, to make sure the ‘accident’ comes across as the surprise it’s set up to be … kidding folks!) Being the good friend he is, he sent me some photos of the meal he was having at the restaurant. I can tell you, the food looked really appetising and my friend informed me that it was better than it looked. Of course at that juncture I was in no way envious of my friend and blessed him on the favour he was enjoying. (As I tightened up the plans for the ‘accident’.)
Reading about the experience of my friend at the restaurant, funnily enough, genuinely left a very good taste in my mouth. As in seeing my friend enjoy the richly diverse meal, made me feel good for him.
It also reminded me of that phrase where some experience leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
That unpleasant feeling that comes after a negative experience can make a significant impact on our lives. It can even affect how we engage in things in the future.
I recall one person whose experiences with trusted people before left them so hurt that although they appeared friendly on the surface, in practice after a while it was clear they preferred to keep their guard up. Whenever anyone ventured close to asking certain questions about what made them the way they were, the mask would drop and you could see the hurt and the bitterness. Sadly you could also see the resolve to never be hurt again. Sad, because they were willing to keep that up even at the cost of ever learning the beauty that could be found in deep, meaningful relationships that grew in what it was to be forgiving, restoring, encouraging and supportive.
It just goes to show when we have the opportunity, we should see what we can do to leave a pleasant taste in the mouth in our experiences. That won’t be possible all the time and there are some decisions that will upset people whatever you do. Yet where there’s graciousness, kindness and humility, that will always leave that sweet taste.
A taste even more appetising than that meal my friend had at the restaurant.
(Photo by Sander Dalhuisen on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 