In addition to perfect ingredients, the waiter brought a combination of performance art and theatre to make fresh guacamole at our table I love the simplicity involved and expertise on display. If he had not revealed his daily stats, over 100 dishes made, 35 to 40 presses with a fork to mash the avocado to the right consistency, I would have missed how technical he had made his art form. Seemingly effortless, his theatre distracted one’s eyes and attention. With an artist’s casual demeanour, light banter, and well-rehearsed moves, the conversation around the table naturally turned exclusively to him. He and the dish were stars.
As we enjoyed the experience of different chips and guacamole, I found myself determined to not let any of it go to waste. By the time we got to the end, I was scrapping the dish, increasingly frustrated that there was still some left. In the end, even those it was a high-end restaurant, the question was put to the table to see if anyone would be offended if we, well three of us, finger-licked the bowl. It was so good and satisfying.
As I reflected on everything that went into making it, as well as the actions taken to finish it, both outcomes were clear to see. The performance could not hide the skill that went into the dish, it was so casual and yet it was anything but. The dish at the end revealed what we had done, even though we wore a face of adult innocence. Words from an observation of another age resurfaced, “God isn’t so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you’ve done.” (Romans 2.2)
It was a fresh reminder that the chapter I write today will have my fingerprints all over it. I can point to others suggesting it was all their actions, however, the ruse will not be fully successful. The ways I exercise my freedom will leave marks. The responsibility and accountability will remain with me, even as I try to cover my tracks.
