Last Friday night, I stumbled across a place I’d never noticed before. Tucked between a dimly lit bookstore and a bustling coffee shop, it had no sign, just the word *Karma* etched faintly on the frosted glass.
The place seemed to hum with an unexplainable energy. Curious, I walked in. The hostess greeted me with a warm smile and a single sentence: “Welcome to Karma, where you don’t order what you want—you’re served what you deserve.”
I laughed, assuming it was a gimmick, and followed her to my table. The menu was blank, just an elegant note at the bottom: *Your choices today reflect your life.*
I hesitated, unsure what that meant. The server, dressed in a crisp white shirt, appeared by my side. “May I take your order?” she asked. “But… there’s nothing to order,” I said, waving the empty menu. She gave a knowing smile. “Exactly. The kitchen will take care of you.”
Minutes later, dishes began arriving. The first plate held a vibrant, colorful salad. It tasted incredible—crisp greens, tart vinaigrette, perfectly balanced. The server explained, “For the kindness you showed to a stranger earlier this week.” I blinked. How could they know? I had helped an elderly woman carry her groceries just three days ago.
The next dish was a bowl of warm, hearty soup. “For the patience you’ve shown recently,” she said. I thought back to the endless meetings at work where I’d been the calm voice in the chaos.
Then came the dessert. It wasn’t the rich chocolate cake I had hoped for, but a small, tart lemon sorbet. “For the sharp words you spoke to your friend last night,” the server said softly. My stomach tightened. I had been short with my best friend, and guilt hit me like a punch.
I left the restaurant both satisfied and unsettled. Karma had served me exactly what I deserved—not just in food, but in a mirror of my actions.
I walked home thinking about my choices, realizing they were ingredients in the dish life was serving me. That night, I decided I’d go back to Karma again—but first, I’d make sure my order would be better next time.
QUESTION:
Have you ever thought about what life would serve you if it worked like Karma?
What would be on *your* plate?
Dr. Gwen Patrone
One Response
Gwen ,
I’m sure you know people as I do if they were served their just desserts they may not be alive now ! Why are there so many evil people people in the World ?
I can’t claim to be the best cook in the World but I do enjoy preparing an enjoyable meal for people , a friend hurt me the most because she refused to eat my food , instead she insisted on a Chinese takeaway . I tried to be the good host , I still prepared the table and treated her as my guest . I eventually found if you don’t correct the first insult they keep coming , guests should also respect their host so I finally had enough , she no longer calls .
It wouldn’t be what was served on the plate but more how it was served , if the attitude is right the food always tastes better , they maybe servers but they aren’t my servants , I respect them for what they do .