Ripping the burrito.

I was in line at Chipotle.

Starving, during a massive lunch rush.

There was a CEO-type business guy in front of me judging by his suit and tie.

He was on the phone while ordering.

From my perspective, he was giving off that condescending “don’t waste my time, hurry up” vibe, as he answered the Chipotle worker’s questions.

The young guy behind the glass was struggling big time to roll the massive burrito the CEO had ordered.

It was painful to watch.

I saw where this was going, and it wasn’t going to be pretty. 

Sure enough, the tortilla didn’t survive long and it burst wide open in a small explosion of beans and rice.

This didn’t go over well.

After a few frustrated, choice words from the irritated businessman, this nightmare mistake left the young guy behind the counter dejected.

As I saw him hang his head in defeat, I thought to myself,

“It’s probably his first day on the job. 

Man, we’ve all been there. Even this CEO guy!!!”

My thought continued and it hit me,

“Yeah we’ve all rolled our first burrito.”

I wanted to redeem this moment for that poor kid.

I stepped to the glass next and said I’d like a burrito. 

Then, sure enough, he tried again and my burrito didn’t survive the roll either. Before he could get frustrated I said,

“Don’t worry man! 

I actually change my mind, a burrito bowl sounds great!”

To my joy, the CEO was within earshot.

After I said I wanted a burrito bowl, this kid’s face lit up with visible excitement and relief.

People in life can be harsh towards others. It’s easy to lack empathy and patience. But remember, you’ve rolled your first burrito too.  

And if you're like me, you’ve needed more than a second chance to get it right. Give people (and yourself) that wiggle room today to make mistakes and try again. 

Verses To Digest

"And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:8

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [b]puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;"

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Your next steps:

Don’t harass someone if they make an honest mistake.

Show some grace if they "rip the burrito" today.

In fact, find a way to flip the situation to something positive. 

Choose to not go the road of the unhappy CEO.

He might be rich in money but he will die broke in happy moments if he always treats people rudely and on his terms only.

I’m not saying this CEO is always that way, maybe he was getting chewed out on the phone for “ripping the burrito” at his job. But all I’m saying is today you should try to focus on the positive and give people the benefit of the doubt.

Life tastes better that way.

All love,

Lowery