“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ... James 4:6
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So I'm 'YouTubing' episodes of Restaurant Impossible and sometimes Kitchen Nightmares. (I know, I know. Move on, right?). Yet the people on those shows fascinate me.
I mean:
1.) Why didn't these restaurant owners make changes or reach for help before they were in debt by, like, $400,000 (or usually more)?
2.) Why do the owners ask Robert Irvine for his team's advice, but then insist they're food-and-people-handling experts already?
3.) Why are their kitchens so dirty?
And I would ask why not just watch these shows, learn the valuable tips and implement them--but ok--they'd not get the free dining area makeover. So I'll let that slide. (Magnanimous of me, isn't it? heh)
Of course it's a cinch for the rest of us non-restaurateurs to snicker from our couch, "I would never act that way! Those people are just clueless, prideful, procrastinating dweebs."
But that's way too easy. The better way is to hold a mirror to ourselves and ask:
Do I ever let the laundry pile up until it takes days to wash and dry it?
Do I procrastinate paying bills until they're past due?
How often do I refuse to delegate because no one else will do the task the right way? (Then wonder why I'm tired/grumpy?)
Is my kitchen always clean?
Do I dump each day's mail in a huge pile rather than sort it quickly, easily when it arrives?
Have I ever put off exercising until I'm too heavy to work-out and lose the weight I've gained?
Are there any relationships I've neglected into non-existence?
Uh-oh.
A major reason I appreciate these 'reality shows' is that the second I begin judging anyone up there on the screen, God immediately zaps me. "What about you, Debra?" Zap! "How are you doing in those procrastinating/clueless areas?" Zap!
But oh my, the truth sets us free. Our peace deepens on the other side of those ouches and got-me's and, over the years, I've learned to appreciate every single humble-pie-eating one.
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"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." ... Proverbs 22:4
“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes. -William James
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Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. ... Galations 6:4,5
I am always amazed at how much wisdom you glean from TV shows.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's kinda funny and strange, isn't it, Dolores? Hee. :) Thanks for making me smile! Blessings, Debra
ReplyDeleteThat C.S. Lewis quote is perfect for your idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful new header you have. What beauty and life you have brought to the Hobbit House with your gardening!
ReplyDeleteWe have a love/hate relationship with Restaurant Impossible. We never miss it....and talk to the screen all the time. Amazing. And lots of the owners say they have NO prior experience in running a business...they just thought one day that it would be a good idea. Sometimes they can't even tell Robert how much each meal costs to make it. (Then how can you possibly know if you're making a profit?) Not a lot of wise souls making those decisions. Thanks for another thinking post, Debra. : )
ReplyDeleteTerra--glad you liked the quote and yes, it was pretty perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteKristi--thank-you for such kind, sweet words! You always notice the nice things and I appreciate that.
Bonnie--oh, I totally get it. Often I tell Tom that wise people generally don't buy restaurants. heh. It's one of the toughest occupations/businesses in the world, so I wonder why so many people just jump into it?
Oh well, so many Bible verses come to mind while I watch this show so that's gotta be a good thing--that--and remembering the non-judging thing I mentioned. What a test sometimes, though, when watching RI, right? :)
Thanks, Ladies! Blessings, Debra