Dinner with Me
“6:30, dinner with me" - I can't cancel that again!"
- The Grinch: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Before I lost my sight, I was one of those strange individuals who enjoyed eating at restaurants alone.
Sure, I also loved to grab a bite with a group of friends or my family, but there was always something about the peace and relaxing atmosphere of a meal spent in solitude that appealed to me.
It’s been almost 7 years since I strolled into a restaurant by myself, was shown to a table, and enjoyed a meal independently.
Well folks, I am happy to say that this streak has finally come to an end.
A couple of weeks ago, I walked to one of my favorite restaurants downtown and enjoyed a delicious meal all on my own.
I wasn’t completely alone, though. My guide dog, Jackson, was with me.
In fact, the comfort that he gives me while traveling independently is one of the main reasons I was able to reach this milestone.
I know that it may seem small to many of you. You probably walk into restaurants on your own all the time.
For me, however, it was a huge step. One that, for a long time, I never thought I would make. It felt liberating, exciting, and, yes, a tad scary.
There is a lot about my blindness that still makes me fearful.
Venturing out on my own without my sight continues to be one of the scariest aspects. How do I muster up the courage?
The ability to get up and get out the door begins with an immense amount of trust in God; not my own bravery or skills.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says,
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
In this chapter, the prophet Jeremiah warns about misplaced trust. The people of Judah had turned away from God and placed their trust in the hands of man and the desires of their own hearts.
However, this set them further down the path to sin and only deepened their fear, worries, and anxieties for what lay ahead.
If we cling to God and trust Him completely as our guide, however, we will be like the tree mentioned in Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Even when we face that heat, hardships in our lives, or that drought, times of uncertainty, we will not stumble.
Rather, we will be replenished and protected by God’s ever-presence and guiding hand.
Milestones like this one, enjoying a meal independently, remind me of how far I have come over the past 7 years.
Not because of my own skills, but because of God’s amazing faithfulness.
Even before I had sweet Jackson to guide me around, I still was not walking alone. God was with me every single step of the way.
During the big triumphs and accomplishments, the small baby steps forward, and even the times when I felt as though I was moving backwards.
As I put my trust in Him, He continued to guide, comfort, strengthen, and prepare me for what would come next.
Are you facing a situation in your life today that makes you feel insecure, scared, or uncertain?
I know that feeling well. I also know, however, that God can give you the confidence to face it.
Be like the tree mentioned in Jeremiah 17, and plant yourself close to God.
Put your full trust in Him, and dry out the fear with His replenishing strength and courage.
I promise, you will be amazed at what God can help you do!
Text that says, “This blog is sponsored by:”
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Dr. Donna Thomas Moses, who specializes in Periodontics, temporomandibular complex (TMJ), and dental implants. At her practice, she strives to make you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your evaluation and treatment.
Ashlee Burgess photography, which has been a photography business in the West Georgia area since 2014. Specializing in weddings, elopements, and couples, Ashlee also loves working with seniors & individuals for portraits! No matter the subject in front of her camera, her goal is to create warm, dreamy images that capture the emotion of your most precious moments.
