Pickles

It was early fall. There were still leaves on the trees. A cold snap moved through, and the air was piercing. Bundled in extra layers, we played roller hockey in the parking lot of the park where we were camping.

The layers were necessary protection from the wind, but as we heated up from hockey, they became cumbersome. Too cold to remove them, too hot to keep them on.

We played “first to five goals.” At the end of the game, we broke to hydrate and eat lunch. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of Gatorade. We were running low on Gatorade and water when someone suggested drinking the pickle juice.

We laughed, and then I was targeted. “Drink the pickle juice.” I said, “No way.” “C’mon! We dare you.” A dare was tempting, but I didn’t feel it was worth it. Then they hit me with, “Twenty bucks says you won’t!”

I love pickles, and twenty dollars was a fortune. The jar was huge, but it was $20. I decided to go for it. I made certain the $20 was in view because, as we all know, kids are liars.

I hefted the jar with both hands. I lifted it up. It was heavy against my face. The cold vinegar splashed my cheeks. I took the first gulp. Then the second. I kept glugging until it was gone. I did it! I earned my twenty bucks. I felt accomplished.

My stomach rumbled, and I burped pickle juice. It was unpleasant, but money is money. I felt great. Then less so. My stomach was uneasy again. It was a lot of fluid, but I was convinced it would settle.

It did not. Not yet.

I ejected every bit of that pickle juice. It was horrible. Typically, a stomach ache feels better once I get to that stage. The relief that it is behind me. This time, I still felt gross. My head hurt. My stomach pained. I had a deeply unpleasant taste in my mouth. A worse smell lingered in my nose.

I would’ve paid way more than twenty dollars to undo this situation. Winning felt like a loss. It became a losing situation for everyone around.

Sometimes I get caught up in winning. I start focusing on beating the situation, not on what’s at stake. Not every hill is worth the view.

Is winning the argument losing the relationship? When should I walk away? Is this hill worth the view?

Be curious, be kind, be whole, do good things.