You'll Know Who Your Friends Are!

Tracy Lawrence got it right when he said: Everybody wants to slap your back, wants to shake your hand when you're up on top of that mountain but let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up and see who's around then. This ain't where the road comes to an end; This ain't where the bandwagon stops; This is just one of those times when a lot of folks jump off and you find out who your friends are.

In my life there have been times when I was riding high. It is during those times that people seem to come out of the woodwork to be my friend. Truth is, everyone likes the ride when things are going well. These people congratulate you on every little accomplishment; They sing your praises to both you and to others. They love to bask in the sunshine created by someone else's popularity and success.

And let's be honest. There is something inside us that enjoys the attention, thrives of the interactions and just plain enjoys being the man of the moment. But, we must never be seduced by all the attention and praise. Instead, we must keep our wits about us and understand that not everyone who calls us friend is a friend. In fact, most of those who called us friend will be as quick to jump on the bandwagon of those who attack us as they were to join the bandwagon that praised us. In fact when things get tough they will be among the first to "throw us under the bus" to save their own hide. The same people who today are singing our praises will trumpet our failings when we fall from the pedestal on which they have placed us.

When our feet of clay become evident these fair weather friends will like the rats on a sinking ship be the first to abandon us. But we must not mourn their loss. We should celebrate their departure as they rob us of quality time with our real friends. We should, in some warped way, be appreciative of our own failing because, as Tracy Lawrence says in his song, "we find out who our friends are." Or perhaps we find out who is not our friend and unless my experience has deceived me most of the people we know will come down in this category.

Perhaps they lack courage but most likely they were just along for the ride. Truth is it doesn't matter why they bailed out, only that they did. In this simple act of walking away they have shown their true colors (better character). When it counted they were not there; When they could have made a difference the chose to be absent. Worse yet many of them will fabricate stories about you, repeat spurious comments and generally kick you when you are down as they jump on their new bandwagon

Is this a bad thing? Well, at the moment you are experiencing the abandonment it certainly is painful. You have moments when like the Psalmist you want to cry out, "I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would acknowledge me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul." (Psm 142:4) If we are not careful we will allow these people to keep us from rising as the Phoenix from the ashes of our present circumstance. Remember, these people were never you friends . . . they were just along for the ride. When the ride became too bumpy they left the journey.

By my definition a friend is someone who comes to you when everyone else is leaving you. They may not be numerous but they are more precious than pure gold. They don't judge you but rather they embrace you. They become your safe place. They look past any failings you may have and see your need and that is what they try to meet. Because they care for you they listen. In short they stay on the bandwagon and encourage you to go forward.

All this brings me to my point. When everyone seems to be jumping off the bandwagon of your life keep in mind that just because those who were along for the ride jumped off you bandwagon does not mean that your bandwagon has stopped. It is lighter; it is leaner; but it still has your true friends on board. And my experience has taught me that your in for a surprise as to who these true friends are. They are often people you least suspect or regarded as friends. Don't close these people out.

My experience has been that these dark hours in our life while painful are merely slow places in our life journey. They are not the end of our life. Too be sure they may mark the ending of a phase of our life but there is more to come and a steel that has been through the furnace is strengthened so we are strengthened through these trials. My advice is to embrace your true friends and purpose to go forward. As to those who wounded you I urge you to heed Paul's advice, Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

Oh yea, while it may not work out the way we planned it, it will work out. Remember, life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning how to dance in the rain.

Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Dining

Again I want to thank Iberostar for a terrific week. I suppose I should also thank Jamaica for the great weather as well. Yesterday, I talked generally of the Iberostar properties at Montego Bay and you can read that blog entry for some general impressions. Today I want to speak specifically about the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach . . . my hotel.

As indicated yesterday I rate this particular property as a 4.5 star resort largely on the basis of limited amenities ($75 for Wifi in the lobby only and not in the rooms)and the limited nature of their customer service (I spoke of this yesterday).

Today I want to talk about the resort's restaurants. The hotel has three themed restaurants. There is a Japanese venue called The Samurai; there is a steakhouse called Uncle Tony's; and there is a Cajun restaurant called the Jambalaya; there is a daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet eatery and a snack venue on the beach. With the exception of the Buffet all eateries are by reservation only. During peak season all restraints are open nightly but during off-peak they rotate. Reservations are required because seating is limited. Unlike the cruise ships there is no added cost for choosing to dine in one of the three hotel restaurants.

We enjoyed our Saturday evening dinner at the Samurai Restaurant where we met a pretty much international crowd which included an English couple having their first Japanese food experience, a Scottish couple who were celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary by returning to the scene of the crime and a family from Houston, Texas doing a generational vacation. I was impressed with how fully they made an effort to accommodate the folks allergic to shell fish. The chef also put on a good show. After that we were done for the day. I would rate this venue the equivalent of a Benny Hana Restaurant.

On Sunday evening we had dinner at Uncle Tony's. The restaurant is presently being housed in the beach snack shack but the staff does a great job of giving it the feel of a Texas Barbecue House. I had a medium rib-eye steak that was disappointingly thin but was very favourable. Susan had a grilled Salmon which she said was as good as she has ever had. The staff was excellent and the service was top-shelf.

Monday night it was the Jambalaya restaurant. This is a Cajun/Creole style eatery and in my judgement the best of the three. The menu is wonderful, the food delicious and well presented. I had the Blackened Grouper and Susan had a pork chop. However, my favorite was the Coconut Shrimp. I really liked this venue.

As for the daily Buffets all I can say is that they were adequate not exceptional. Again, the Jamaican staff was superb but the food average. Actually the only thing that was exceptional was a Beef (ground meat) Strudel. The beach snack shack was handy and loaded with finger foods.

While the food does not compare with that on a cruise ship is is generally adequate and occasionally exceptional. Food service is good and the staff friendly and helpful. There is no reason why anyone should be unhappy with the food at the resort. It is good, plentiful, and available almost 24/7. I give the food a two thumbs up.