I recycle my butter bowls to use for leftovers and there are times when I forget if it contains leftovers or butter. It’s only when I look in the bowl and see greenish fur growing on my food, that I realize I let something sit for too long. How can you tell if something is soured? It smells and looks different. If you leave food on the shelf long enough, it will eventually go bad.

The same thing can happen in relationships. If you forget about them and don’t tend to them, they can sour and can go bad. I have learned this in some of the relationships I have had over the years. We all have good intentions with our friends and family. We might try to spend time with those we love. Then, we get busy, and we let other things we think are more important overshadow the people in our lives. Eventually, the relationship’s drift apart, and we wonder why it soured.

Even the best plans can fail. So, how do you fix this? 

For food, it’s simple. Just make sure to label leftovers and put them on a shelf where you can easily see them. Make it a point to clean out your refrigerator regularly each week. Better yet, share your meals with others, such as seniors or people who are homebound, who may not be able to cook for themselves. You won’t have to worry about mold, and they will be blessed by your generosity when you bring the food.

On the topic of relationships, it is a bit tougher. It requires a more focused desire on your part to make the person a priority in your life. If they mean something to you, you will make time for them. Don’t make excuses as to why you are not there, make time for them instead. We all make time for the things that matter to us. Our words speak, but our actions speak louder, what are you saying to the people around you? If you want to mend the relationships in your life, let your actions form the words your heart longs to say.  

©2023 Marsha L. Brown