I admire individuals that can indulge in an enjoyable dessert on a regular basis. Candidly, I am jealous, green with envy! I do enjoy a pudding however there is a “but” to my pleasure. My immune system always loses the battle with desserts. What for many can be a regular pleasure stop is, for me, something to be taken on rare occasions.
As I watched and listen to a group commenting on their desserts, I found myself drifting into a deep reflection. Two questions would not go away. Are there things in life that can only be enjoyed in measure? If something is good for one person, is it always good for everyone?
The obvious answers are yes and no. Yes, great meals should be enjoyed in balance with one health. No, even if saunas are good for me, it does not follow that they are good for you. Balance, tolerance, and ability are important filters in our lives. They shape where we focus our attention. They can help prioritize our time. What is good for you may not be best for me. We are bespoke in a world that is increasingly commoditized.
I came back into the group and awakened this morning to the question of how far to take this? Is my reflection only relevant when it comes to food? What about the spiritual? Are the applications in my vocational life?
One writer offered the following suggestion for the spiritual realm. “If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself.” (1 Corinthians 14.27) I think the model extends well beyond this. It applies to food, work, and living.
We have an opportunity today to grow on a personal level while making a difference to others. What nurtures the first may not fit with the second. I want to make the best use of sugar in my life. More importantly, I want to make a positive difference to the individuals in my life.
