A friend reminds me that it is important to “eat to live, not live to eat”. I get the message; food does not need to be my focal point. On the other hand, recent dinners and the random discovery of some fresh peanuts and the resulting bowl of boil peanuts reminds me that food, people, and great memories are often wrapped together.
Yesterday I discovered a bag of green peanuts at Mustafa. The dirt-crusted shells were tender, fresh from the farm, and took me back to childhood memories. It was a whimsical emotional purchase. As I munch on peanuts and chatted to my mother this morning, I found myself basking in the glow of great childhood memories and the bond shared between us.
Recently I shared a sushi dinner with friends across three generations. It was a memory-creating event with food, friends, and great conversation at the center. Food was not the singular focal point, yet it was clearly more that just substance.
As I look through my memories, I find that food is often involved. It is fun to share experiences we enjoy! From the culinary surprises in hidden Singapore locations to New York diners with new and old friends, food always plays a role. With each experience, I find myself realizing that food is a catalyst to great conversations and living. I realize that and sage’s advice generations ago still applies to me today; “If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!” (1 Corinthians 10.30) I can sit back, enjoy the company, and revel in the beauty life reveals.
I find myself thankful for the role others play in my life. My morning coffee takes me to a great memory shared with my brothers. The toast with jam and cheese takes me to the first time a girlfriend in high school introduced me to the combination. Food can be a carrier to new discoveries. Enjoy every bite.
