“You don’t really know somebody until you live with them.” When I heard this old saying as a kid, I didn’t get it. Believe you me, I do now.
Tim and I dated three and a half years before we married. I know that seems like a long time, but I was only 17 when we met in high school.
By the time we wed, I thought I knew everything about him. And he thought he knew everything about me.
We were both very wrong.
In all fairness, we all have our little idiosyncrasies. These are our own little unique habits. For instance, after Tim eats a Krystal, he’ll sit the box in front of me and smile. He knows I have to fold it up. I can’t help it. Not folding the little box drives me crazy. Also, he learned to steer clear of me until after I’ve had my first cup of coffee in the morning.
As for Tim’s habits, I had no idea he dipped tobacco until after were married. I found out on our honeymoon and I was dumbfounded. Needless to say, I am not a fan of it and I have told him that many times. He politely informs me that while he loves me very much; he’s not going to stop doing his “baccer.”
One day Tim responded to my “baccer” complaint, “You’ve never tried it.” You know what, he was absolutely right. It reminded me of the time I asked him to try some coffee. He quickly responded, “No thank you. I’ve tried it and I don’t care for it.”
That gave me an epiphany. There was only one thing for me to do.
It was a nice warm summer day and we were sitting outside at his parents’ house. Tim crammed a small wad of his “baccer” in his mouth. That’s when I said, “I want to try it.”
He was literally speechless for a few seconds. “I don’t think you want to do that.”
“Yes I do. I can’t complain about your “baccer” unless I’ve tried it. So I want to try it.” Obviously, I was honest about my intentions.
“Okay.” Tim opens up his tobacco can and takes out a miniscule pinch.
“That’s not much.” I protested.
“You don’t need more than this!” He handed it to me. “Put this in the back corner of your mouth. Whatever you do, don’t swallow any of it.”
I did as he said.
The first word that came to my mind was disgust. Maybe repugnant would be a better word. It was as if I was torturing myself by keeping the “baccer” in my mouth. I spat it out and ran for the water hose. Of course, laughter followed me.
I held the nozzle in my mouth at angle where I could let the water drain out the other side. I don’t know how long I stood there like that. It took hours to get that taste out of my mouth. To this day, I remember that taste.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)
Tim tried to warn me, but I wouldn’t listen. I thought I was being clever, but actually I was being just the opposite.
Often, it’s the same with our relationship to God. Instead of listening to Him, we do what we want to do. Of course, it doesn’t work out the way we envisioned it would.
There are a couple of things on the bright side of my experience. First, I entertained a few people and made them laugh. Second, I will never ever use tobacco again. Ever. Just pass the chocolate please.
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. Also, she is a member of Toastmasters and will be attending storytelling camp again for the fourth summer. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. And she has two books out in her storytelling series, “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.