Words Can Be Gold
Think about using intentional words that encourage others.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold on a platter of silver.” - Proverbs 25:11
Rachelle and I spent Thanksgiving 2023 in Los Cabos, Mexico.
It was our first time away from family on Thanksgiving Day. Cabo has become Rachelle’s favorite place to vacation. We get the cheapest tickets from Aeromexico and stay at a condo first supplied by friends.
Mexico is not my favorite destination. But I live by the axiom:
“Happy wife, happy life.”
People Matter
Anytime one travels to Hacienda Del Mar, Los Cabos, Mexico, there is a “sales pitch” to “buy” or “upgrade” a condo.
Of course, we didn’t buy or upgrade this year. But…
We took the opportunity to encourage our salesman, Oscar “Alexis” Andrade.
As we sat in the “mandatory” sales meeting, Alexis, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, tried unsuccessfully to upsell us. I asked Alexis:
“Is this what you wish to do in your life? Sell timeshares to vacationers?
He looked at me and laughed.
“No! I want to be a chef!”
I asked him if he had ever “cooked for a contract” and been paid for preparing a meal. Alexis said, “No. Never.” I then asked if he’d be willing to cook us Thanksgiving Dinner for an agreed-upon contract price.
Alexis was dumbfounded. “But you don’t know me. You don’t know how I cook.”
I responded with carefully chosen words that are like “apples made of gold’ set on a “platter made of silver.”
“No, I don’t know you, Alexis, but I believe in you. I want to help you fulfill your dreams.”
Thanksgiving Dinner
For Thanksgiving Dinner 2023, Rachelle and I were treated to the most wonderful authentic Mexican meal we’ve ever had, prepared by “Chef Alexis,” accompanied by his parents, Oscar and Claudia.
As we enjoyed dinner, Oscar Andrade (Alexis’ father) said to me:
“Wade, I’ve always encouraged my son to ‘follow his dreams.’ But he’s been too scared. The words of a complete stranger from America unlocked the future for my son.”
Since our dinner and my private post on the Hacienda Del Mar website where I talked about Alexis’ skills as a chef on a private, “Chef” Alexis Andrade has been contacted to provide more private dinners at Hacienda Del Mar.
Alexis texted me:
“I can’t thank you enough for how you’ve helped me fulfill my dreams.”
I look forward to Chef Alexis becoming a 5-star Michelin Chef and his remembrance of the first time he ever prepared a meal as a contract chef.
Words Matter
As we enter the holiday season and think about the “gifts” we wish to give our loved ones, I would encourage you to contemplate the cheapest, most valuable gift you can give anyone.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold on a platter of silver.” - Proverbs 25:11
Well-crafted words are more valuable than gold and silver.
Wonderful story, Wade! I need that wisdom to find the right thing to say in special circumstances! Ephesians 4:29
What an amazing gesture. Pure words of belief in another human being. I am so proud of and happy for you and Rachelle as I see Jesus at work in your lives.