On Sunday, after church, our family had to drive to Snohomish from Auburn via Covington. We had a memorial service to attend, and we were very short on time. We typically don't eat breakfast before church, so after 2nd service, I was particularly hungry. My kids were hungry also.
Like any good parent stuck in a vehicle on their way to some event and needing to feed the kids, we were pressed to find somewhere to grab some quick food, or it were, food that we could get fast. You might call it Fast-Food.
Anyway, we're in the SUV, on our way, discussing options and the Golden Arches is discussed as an option.
From the back seat, my son, Gabriel declares that he is never going to eat at McDonalds ever again. He says that last time he went, he got sick, and threw up, so he's done eating at McDonalds. He goes on to explain that we should sue McDonalds, and that it is evil, and they were out to get him, and its this big burger conspiracy.
Listen here kid. We've got places to go, there is one place on the way and it has a clown in the front and dollar cheeseburgers. You can have McDonalds or nothing, what's it gonna be?
Gabe digs in and declares that he will never eat there ever again. Ever. He said, and I quote "If I were lying in the bottom of a well, starving, and someone tossed me down a McDonalds cheeseburger I wouldn't eat it".
I can get where he's coming from. When you have a bad experience with something it makes you a bit reluctant to expose yourself to it again. I think its human nature. We do what we can to shield ourselves from hurt and pain and will do just about anything to protect ourselves.
But is that really the answer? Isn't there room to allow ourselves to readjust to get what it is that we need? We need to eat right? Just because one McDonalds made you sick doesn't mean that they will all make you sick. Just because you got in one car accident doesn't mean that all cars are bad.
There's a sermon in here somewhere. I'm not sure if you're getting it. Just because we've been hurt doesn't mean that we become a recluse that never opens up again. Yes I'm using the example of an unhealthy burger conglomerate but it applies in other areas of our life as well.
Is there someone or something that you've drawn away from because of a past hurt? Are you trying to protect yourself from being hurt? It doesn't work, all that happens is that you miss out on what you really need to help you grow or live. We all need food. We all need relationships. We all need to connect with God.
You may have been hurt, but don't let it ruin your life. Go get another cheeseburger at a different McDonalds. That's what Gabriel eventually did.
Blessings
pastor matt
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