Substitutes and Shortcuts

 

Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

My sister believes that when it comes to chips and salsa, there is a gold standard. Other restaurants may have a more authentic Mexican menu or faster service, but when she has her heart set on perfectly crispy, salty tortilla chips, there is only one right choice.

If you’ve ever had a fine dining experience, where there is more silverware than you know what to do with and you feel guilty for wiping your mouth on napkins someone has to launder… you’ve encountered food prepared in a way that not only satisfies hunger but engages the senses. Plates are presented as works of art, creations composed of the finest ingredients.

Once you’ve had a dining experience like that, it’s harder to be satisfied with fast food cheeseburgers. Our senses and sensibilities have been elevated- we want something beyond the everyday and mundane.

We have deep longings for lofty things- real relationship, passionate purpose, deep understanding, personal growth. Even if we haven’t experienced the best of the best, we have a concept of what it should be. Sometimes these desires run so deep, and the pain of loneliness, meaninglessness, or boredom is felt so strongly, we make choices that shortcut the process of achieving these things or substitute something much less satisfying than the real thing.

In 2021, I encourage you to hold out for the gold standard. Don’t settle for shallow relationships even if that means letting someone know the real you. Don’t continue in a miserable job without exploring your options. Don’t stop dreaming, sharing ideas, and asking questions. Your best year and your best life is in your hands. God has amazing blessings in store for you. Don’t settle for less than the best.




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