The Cafeteria Principle

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

When I was growing up, for lunch you went to the school cafeteria, got a tray, silverware, and a napkin. The school lunch ladies, with their hair bonnets and plastic gloves, would slop mashed potatoes and sloppy joes made from yesterday's leftovers onto your plate. You really didn't have a choice. Today when you go into a restaurant cafeteria, you choose what's put on your plate. You don't just take whatever is served. Too many of us think life is like a school cafeteria. Whatever is served, you accept it and try to carry it. But if you accept everything, you are going to get weighed down. Life and people will dish out many things. So you must choose what you are going to take. If people dish out anger, gossip, fear, or hate, don't let it touch your plate. Instead choose what is good. Get into God's word and fill your plate, your heart with it. Let your mind dwell on that. As for the rest of whatever life dishes out, remember you're not a child anymore and you don't have to worry about the lunch lady.

From Message #894 - The Bakhar Joy Secrets