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
9 Responses
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 .
Teresa,
Thanks for such an in depth response. We can’t worry about why for some things. One of my mentors would say “that class is closed”. Let’s focus on being the best person we can be regardless of the results. They’ll happen in due time in their own way. Most times we won’t ever see the effects of our kindness.
Gwen
This is the most radically different post I’ve seen in Kandi’s land Gwen. I totally believe in that kind of thing happening. So much so I would have gone back to it the next day to see if it was still there. So I’ve got to ask the question…… have you been back since your maiden voyage?
Trish,
Going against the grain is good on occasion. It causes us to stop and think.
🤔
G.
Great post Gwen. Definitely gives one pause to wonder what would be on our menus …. and what we could do in our lives so that our meal would deserve a Michelin star.
Claire,
All we can do is all we can do from a good lace in our hearts. The rewards come in due course.
G.
Wow, maybe I’m reading too deeply into it, but the reality of this post hit me like a ton of bricks. There’s no doubt in my mind that every action has a consequence and we will get what we deserve. Justice will be served whether in this life or the next. I really appreciate this post and the reality check it gives me. I really appreciate wisdom of Gwen and her thinking on a higher level. It gives me a lot to think about.
Hi GF,
Thanks so much for your comments. My goal in most posts is to cause thinking. Going hmmmmmm. I never thought of it that way.
Gwen
So cool… curious where is Karma???