While in Nassau, Bahamas, we enjoyed every minute of the delightful, tropical
island. There was one little problem we had to overcome however. We are
vegetarian, and with the national dishes being "conch salad", "fried conch",
"conch fritters", etc., we experienced some difficulties finding eating
establishments that could accommodate us.
A local suggested us to try the Fish Fry. "Euh…" I answered. "I don't think so.
You see we don't eat fish!"
However when we approached the location called "The Fish Fry", we were amazed to
find numerous restaurants found there. And sure enough we located some that were
offering side orders of rice and peas, salad, macaroni and cheese (Somehow my
youngest son's favourite!), cooked plantains (Don't try them raw!) and our very
favourite dessert, guava duff! And all of that at more than reasonable prices!
What was even more enchanting was how deliciously filling everything was! After
we paid the bill we told the waitress: "We will be coming back!"
She smiled politely, but her appearance remained indifferent somehow. Either my
garlic breath was too overpowering or the peas had started to act on my
intestines!
The next day we went back to the same establishment, one of many among the Fish
Fry. The waitres' jaw dropped open and her eyes were filled with astonishment.
"You did come back!"
I guess many tourists had made similar promises, without actually fulfilling
them! But how could we not? We liked the food and we had indeed made a promise.
After all, aren't we the people of promise?
"By faith Abraham, even though he was past age - and Sarah herself was barren -
was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made
the promise." (Heb 11:11 NIV)
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
We know our Lord and Master and we have experienced Him to be a keeper of His
Word. This is why we can look at the future with a smile on our face, no matter
how disastrous our economy and our political situations!
"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a
new earth, the home of righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13 NIV)
Our word should just be as our Father's: "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and
your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matt 5:37 NIV).
In fact we should not only make sure to keep our promises, we should also be
willing to walk the extra mile to help out someone, no matter how mean that
person might be (And Bahamians are far from being the mean ones)! "If someone
forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you,
and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matt 5:41-42
NIV)
We are not only the people of promise, but of hope as well, but with that comes
responsibility: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
We need to ask ourselves: Do we live consistently as the people of promise? Are
we always willing to walk the extra mile? Are we prone to follow up with what we
say?
May our New Year's resolution be filled with His promise, as well as His hope,
and may we feel led to always follow in His steps.
"You sure you want to come back here?"
"Hmmm….Now that you mention it…"
Rob Chaffart
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