WF Pride

Recognition and Respect of Others

Chad Cottingham

When reading and preparing for this week’s writing, I came across this little story and couldn’t help but share it.
A burnt toast

When I was a little one, my mom liked to occasionally make breakfast for dinner. I remember one night in particular when she cooked after a long, hard day at work. On that evening, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burnt toast in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed it. Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at 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 toast and eat every bite.
When I got up from the table I heard my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I’ll never forget what he said “Baby, I love burnt toast”!
Later that night, I went to kiss daddy and say good night and I asked him if he really liked his toast burnt.
He wrapped me in his arms and said “Dear, your mamma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired, and besides a little burnt toast never hurt anyone. You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best housekeeper or cook.”
What I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.
And that’s my prayer for today that we will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of our life and lay them at the feet of God because in the end He’s the only One who will be able to give us a relationship where burnt toast isn’t a deal-breaker. Author unknown

This story is a great example of how we can demonstrate respect to others in little ways. When we set aside our needs and wants, and we look past others faults and shortcomings we give them the value and respect they deserve. We are treating them as God would want them to be treated – as he treats us.

‘Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.’ Colossians 3:12-13 NLT