Lessons from a Dum-Dum

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Little Abraham sat in a high chair at our kitchen table eying the dessert corner where he spotted a Dum-Dum. Pointing his tiny finger, he grunted emphatically to indicate his interest.

His mom followed his line of sight and said, “Oh, he’s never had a sucker. Do you mind?”

“Of course not. Whatever you think,” I replied.

“Maybe just a taste will satisfy him.”

In a moment, Abraham was enjoying the delightful sensation of the Dum-Dum in his mouth, his mom keeping careful watch. When she thought the sucker might get too small, perhaps come off the stick and choke him, she gently removed it from her son’s mouth.

Naturally, he began to protest, scrunching his little face up as though he would cry.

Oh, Abraham,” his mom said with a smile. “Don’t be sad for what you’re losing; be glad you had the experience!”

To my astonishment, the tiny tot seemed to understand and accept his mother’s wisdom. He relaxed his face and began to smile.

No whimpering.

No wailing.

No pouting.

The adults at the table continued their conversation while I pondered the lesson offered.

What I’m Learning…

There are times in our lives when we are invited to taste and see what God has planned for our delight and enjoyment. It could be a fulfilling relationship, a career change, an extraordinary experience, a special pet, a simple pleasure, a delectable dessert, or a refreshing time in nature.

Naturally, we may desire that delight to continue much longer than it does, but when the necessary ending comes, we have a choice as to how we respond.

We may grow bitter and resent that the pleasure and satisfaction are no longer ours to enjoy.

We may mourn the loss of what seemed so desirable.

We may even get angry and demand what we think we are entitled to.

Of course, emotions like these are understandable, but they can also be harmful if we get stuck in them too long.

Plus, if we depend on transitory experiences to satiate us, we will never be satisfied.

Instead, let’s learn a lesson from the Dum-Dum: Relish with delight every pleasure the Lord allows us to taste and see, but when it is time to relinquish it, don’t be sad; be grateful you had the experience.

We can trust God to be our refuge and our provider, to be with us in the difficulties and to offer us more delights.

After all, as Mark Batterson says, “God always has a holy surprise up His sovereign sleeve.”

Just wait and see.

Father,

Thank You for the exquisite delights You plan for Your children.

Help us to enjoy them, but to remember that

You alone are the “All, but Only”

Who truly satisfies.

In the name of our delightful Savior, Amen.

Sing along with the Wobbly Warbler and learn a scripture tune for Psalm 34:8: