Our conversation shifted with the first taste of food. We quieted down, closed our eyes, and savored the tastes of lovingly prepared food. From these first bites, we knew we were in for a tasty evening.
I considered each of the 6 women at the table good friends, yet they were friends from different areas of life. However, as we continued to sample each other’s food (upon the recommendation of our server), connections happened and the defenses of unknowing quickly slipped away.
Food has a way of connecting us.
Something magical happened that evening. Yes, I said “magical”. It is a special moment when strangers are drawn together. Good food can do that.
We connected. We laughed deeply. We savored our food.
Our delight was palpable. As we finished our meal with sweet last bites, we reflected on the feast to come. As good as this meal was, it is only a shade of the delight to be enjoyed.
There will come a day when we will enjoy food fully.
There will come a day when we will receive the feast without shame.
There will come a day when we will take our place at the great banquet table.
Till that day comes, I am grateful for the moments when eating transcends utilitarian needs and becomes a feast.
……….
When is the last time you feasted? I’m not asking rhetorically. Seriously, I’d love to hear about your most recent experience feasting. Feel free to use the comment section below to share!
Isn’t this interesting? I am so surprised how much eating is a key part of connecting with other people. I recently visited with friends from Thailand who were back in the states and really enjoyed it. I think when we all sit at the table there is an informal connection- hey, we are all here for the next 45 minutes at least, so let’s make it a good time while we eat our food.
I think have something else to distract us (food) makes the conversation flow a little easier.
Great thoughts Charles! I think food has a way of disarming us, but also the beauty found in good food can level us – we are equals at the table. It’s amazing how something we so often take for granted can have such great capacity to open our hearts. Thanks for sharing.