Vadas were never on my list of favourite foods. I suspect common themes were at play across my experiences with this savoury, chilli-infused appetiser that came in the shape of a doughnut. Thinking back, most of the time, the vadas were cold, or at best, room temperature. They were prepared in advance and, as a result, they were not fresh. As I took the picture, the vadas were hot, fresh from the deep fryer. The sauces were recently made. Every bite was filled with wonderful and distinct flavours.
Fresh options are essential for discovering what may have otherwise been overlooked. Candidly, it starts with curiosity and openness. As one writer reminds me: “It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.” (Ecclesiastes 7.18) With each bite, I listened to Life’s whispers and guides for my day.
Being open links one to unlimited possibilities. Recognising my bias is a formal invitation that I gift to my heart. When accepted, I find myself looking beyond the past and into the future. Supporting the lingering sense of curiosity and wonder begins to reveal what I otherwise miss. Being open, curious, and willing to listen with all my senses leads to unforgettable life moments. I find myself in new experiences, familiar and yet new. I discover revelations in previously hidden truths, replacing the simple with the detailed, the useless with the relevant.
Letting go of the past opens a door to the present. There is something extraordinary within my discovery that I belong to a community. I have always belonged, even when I was away. In releasing the emotions that marked my exit, I discover that I am right where Divinity always wanted me to be – in her space, in her arms of compassion and love, and in a position to make a difference for others.
The vadas complemented the dosas and filter coffee, making for a new breakfast memory. Fresh options, then and now, are on my table.
