Every now and then, you hear a story that has a meaning that is so profound it grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until you pass it on to someone else. Today, I am compelled to share this gift with you:
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else.
What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!
We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You... Now, and Always.
SD Denny, Author of The Baker's Dozen
2009 African American Literary Award Nominee
www.sddenny.com
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3 comments:
Wow. This was a very insightful story. Thank you so much for this great lesson. Like I was saying on facebook, this is one to grown on...
Sharon, I definitely can identify with your 'burned biscuit' story. My biological father was the same way in how he stoutly defended my mom. He was a Longshoreman and when he came out from a grueling day on the docks all he could do was accept anything that mom cooked, fatigue notwithstanding...but what I remember most was fish and grits more often than not and we accepted it always! Needless to say, we never went hungry!
Thank you for sharing your childhood burnt biscuit experience. If only everyone were as gracious as your father, the world would be a better place.
I totally agree with you about laying your faults at God's feet. I know of so many people, including me who are struggling with trying to minister to others even though we ourselves are flawed. One day I was ruminating about this, God put peace in my heart - it's as if He whispered I can use everything you've got, in fact the more flawed you are, the more glory will shine through. I've learned that an annointed ministry can still touch and soften hearts.
Kiesha @Highly Favored
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