People Can Be Like Moldy Cantaloupes

During my first year of marriage, I noticed a rotting cantaloupe in the bottom drawer of my fridge. Annoyed with myself for forgetting I put it there, I cautiously pulled it out. The cantaloupe looked disgusting and was covered in mold. Just as I went to throw it in the trash, an unexpected thought crossed my mind—what if? Give it a try. Being a poor college student, I relented to do just that, and gave it a try. I cut it open, and trimmed off the mold-covered rind. Hesitantly, I tried a tiny bite. I could not believe it. It was hands-down the best cantaloupe I’d ever tasted. The sweetness was spot on, and the texture was perfect. Thank goodness I didn’t throw it away!

Not long after eating my gem of a cantaloupe 😉, another thought came to my mind. That cantaloupe was like a person. The thought was so random and strange, but it set off significant fireworks in my heart. Do I ever “toss” a person aside, without giving them a chance? How quick am I to judge someone based off of a short-sighted first impression? Who have I neglected because I didn’t take the time to see the good? How many sweet and fulfilling relationships with others am I missing out on? What if I gave love to ALL, without handpicking?

Joseph B. Wirthlin taught,

 “[There is an] erroneous belief that all members of the Church should look, talk, and be alike. The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.”

Every person matters—strangers, neighbors, children, spouses, relatives, coworkers, church members, teachers, students, parents, and even, ourselves. No matter how “moldy and rotten” one seems, each is a child of God. You know that cousin you can’t stand? Or your child that constantly whines? Your spouse? Maybe it’s the annoying person at church? Your “unique” in-laws? Your negative thoughts about yourself? Or “that fake girl” on Instagram whose life looks too good to be true? Whoever it may be, we need to cast our judgments aside and give them a chance. We need to find and see the good that IS there.

Dale G. Renlund expressed the importance of seeing others through the correct lens,

“To effectively serve others we must see them through a parent’s eyes, through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all of His children. Only then can we sense the Savior’s caring concern for them…Every day we should plead with God for this love.”

Without a doubt, our feelings towards others will drastically change if we choose to see them through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Let us admonish Dale G. Renlund’s counsel, and daily pray for such love. It would benefit ALL to feel greater love for anyone and everyone, including ourselves. Undeniably, seeing others with charity will never fail us.

My greatest memories derive from when I saw another beyond the surface—and instead, saw their heart. I’ll never forget sitting by the boy dressed in black in the lunchroom, or going on a stroller walk with my friend who was struggling with post-partum depression. I’ll never forget wiping my son’s tears at his preschool graduation, or leaving a sincere note inside my husband’s truck. Those experiences trump all else. I’ve learned that even the smallest effort we give toward loving another, is ALWAYS worth it, and brings a special joy in life. On the other hand, I know the pain that comes from choosing NOT to have concern and love. I still regret past experiences when I chose to see others through the lens of selfishness and judgment, instead of charity.

Sadly, we often see others like moldy cantaloupes, being quick to judge them from our limited perspectives. I recall a time when I misjudged a person this way. While attending college, I had a friend who really started to irritate me. She was constantly negative and moody. It got to the point where I could hardly stand being around her—all of her complaining drove me nuts. 

One day, when her negativity was especially getting under my skin, the lyrics of a hymn gently came to my mind, “Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see.” WHAM. Those words, such piercing words. I fought back tears as my limited view of my friend instantly transformed. For the first time, I saw a deep sorrow in her soul; a sorrow I had never before seen. She desperately needed to be loved instead of judged. My heart swelled with compassion and love for her. From that day on, I no longer felt annoyed by her; but instead, I saw her through Heavenly Father’s eyes—a precious daughter of God who was suffering.

This experience powerfully taught me, and continues to teach me. As I try to cast aside judgments and see others through God’s eyes, I’m blessed to find such sweetness and goodness in their hearts. Some of my closest friends are people I least expected. In fact, while living in Texas, I met one of my dearest friends—a man in his 60’s. He still holds a special place in my heart, and we regularly keep in touch.

Over the years, I’m surprised at how often that moldy cantaloupe comes to mind. To this day, I haven’t tasted one that compared to how good it was. I’m reminded of what I learned, and how important it is to give people a chance—to see them the way God sees them. I’m also reminded of those piercing words, “Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can’t see.” I pray we will try a little harder to look past surfaces and blind judgments. May God bless us with the vision to see others the way He sees them. Because who knows—we just might “taste a cantaloupe” that changes our life forever.

*The song lyrics I referred to are found in the hymn, “Lord, I Would Follow Thee.” (LDS Hymnal, pg 220. Text: Susan Evans McCloud).