Don’t be embarrassed if you like bread pudding

My mother made another bread pudding dessert for Christmas this year.  Again she stated in disbelief that she didn’t know I don’t like bread puddings.  She enjoys them and comes up with a variety of creations, most of them one of my sons relishes.  Me?  Not so much; perhaps I need sweeter.  Neither my mother nor son seems too distraught that I do not share their delight, and aside of my empty bowl I am fine with their pleasure in a dessert I simply don’t like.

One time I made a long time favorite cookie and served some to a very good friend.  She shocked me with the premises at she doesn’t like peanut butter.  What?!  That’s possible, is what I think I said aloud.  Seriously, we both laughed!  She told that sandwiches, candy bars, even cookies were not for her if they included the bitterness of peanut butter.  Wow, how different my palette would be I thought.  The key is that I never thought of my friend as wrong, or me.  I will tell the world that I am in bliss with peanut butter and fear not who disagrees. 

Somehow there are other things that people don’t feel the same way.  Why should our beliefs or opinions make us uncomfortable to share with others?  Why further do others judge or criticize people for their likes in some things?  How does public repute become the issue over sharing each other’s passions?

Have you ever hesitated to mention a speaker you are going to listen to because of fear of the other person’s political beliefs?  Have you ever  tried a new church but felt you should keep it under wraps until you were sure you were at home there?   Have you ever regretted recommending a movie when you learned someone didn’t like it?  Does your family have a certain health regiment that you keep quiet because your friends would think it unusual and you don’t want to be dissuaded?  You aren’t alone.  I don’t know why people feel this way, but many do.

Reputation is the general opinions widely held about a person.   I wonder why it is the others’ views of a person that weighs more to them than what they themselves view of themselves.  To be a light I cannot hide.  To be of influence I need to be open to someone else’s sentiments or I won’t grow.   I want to be intentional about letting you know what I am passionate about, and I think it takes conviction of character to not worry about others negatively receiving my passions. 

Sweet, Salty, Sour, or Bitter we all have our taste for things.  I hope that I allow myself to have a taste for a variety of choices, give myself permission to try new things and not hide them from people who may find delight in the sameness I would have never known about.