The Proof is in the Gooding

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The proof is in the pudding. That's always seemed such an odd phrase to me. I mean, what on earth can pudding prove, anyway, other than something that tastes that good cannot be advantageous to the waistline? #OrTheHipsBTW 

Hmm.

What do they mean - like literally? As in something's hiding deep beneath a gloop of mushy chocolate fabulousness? Please do not waste my time attempting to make the case for any puddling flavor other than chocolate. #ThereIsNoOtherKind

Anyway, I did what any writer would do when mildly irked by a turn of phrase, I sought out its origin.  Here's what I found, courtesy of the Merriam Webster dictionary: 

-'The proof of the pudding is in the eating' is a very old proverb. The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations dates it back to the early 14th century ...The phrase is widely attributed to Cervantes in The History of Don Quixote. 

-The shorter form 'the proof is in the pudding,'  dates back to the 1920s and came into common use in the United States in the 1950s.

-It's basic modern-day meaning is: You can only say something is a success after it has been tried out or used. The real value of something can be judged only from practical experience or results and not from appearance or theory.​

I suppose it's true the bottom line separates winning and losing. But the true measure of accomplishment is really the yardstick, no? In other words, achievements can be subjective sometimes. 

I mean, clearly we don't all agree on what tastes good or bad. (Don't get me started back on the chocolate, people.) And heck, I am of the mind that just because something doesn't look perfect on the outside doesn't mean it's not absolutely stunning...or delicious...or plain old wonderful inside, you dig?

I believe there are many variables that contribute to success, which in and of itself means so many different things to various humans. Personally, I gage it by how positive an impact a person or endeavor has on the world around them, period.

Just because someone isn't a gazillionaire or superstar athlete or brainiac doesn't make them any less accomplished than someone who is, so long as they have put good into the universe, Capisce?  #DoGood #GiveToReceive #SuccessIsMakingOthersHappy

So, with all due respect to Don Quixote, I'm going to have to revise that annoying, I mean, famous phrase to read: The proof is in the GOODING. 

​Oh yeah, that's WAY better.
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P.S. Not that my favorite childhood treat wasn't old fashioned chocolate pudding (the kind with the skin!) topped with milk or whipped cream...just sayin'.


Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab R. (19a) The Lord has established his throne in heaven. Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, all you his angels, you mighty in strength, who do his bidding.Alleluia Jn 14:26 R.The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you.

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