“Disappointment, discouragement, and despair are nothing

but the bitter fruit of an unfulfilled expectation allowed to live beyond its time.”

– Guy Finley, American self-help writer, philosopher, and spiritual teacher

“Hey, Paul,” our genial server exclaimed. “I haven’t seen you in ages!”

Paul shifted uncomfortably in his chair. I had joined friends, Paul, and Brenda, for lunch at a local mall. Paul had suggested we eat in the food court, but Brenda and I wanted a place where we could sit down and relax. When I suggested the mall’s all-day-breakfast restaurant, Paul resisted, offering a few excuses that sounded suspicious. After some arm-twisting, Paul relented and we walked inside.

“Paul used to come here two or t...

Please subscribe to keep reading.