I met at friend at our favorite sushi restaurant. As we sat down to order, he asked me to take charge. I looked at the menu and then turned to the chef.
“Can you take care of our order? It would be great to have eight pieces each along with something as a finale. Whatever you think is fine. You determine the choices and the order. Possible?”
I was sure I caught a twinkle in his eyes. With a gentle smile and laugh, “Yes”.
As I look back, it was nothing like I expected. There were at least 3 things on the menu that I do not order. As it was, when I saw them coming I had to remind myself, “You did give him permission”. I had a choice. I could trust and go with his choice or I could impose my view. I know what I like. I have a good idea of the quality of this restaurant and what it does well. I also know what I do not like.
My silent reflection came to an abrupt decision point when the chef presented our dishes. The conflict of trust versus a predictable outcome was now. No delay allowed. No hesitation possible.
I took the dish. “Domo Arigato (thank-you).”
It was an amazing meal. I followed his instructions – eat right to left, four with soya sauce and no wasabi, four without. Stunning. Perfect. Wow.
I am not sure I now like the things I normally do not. I do know that trusting this chef is a good idea! As the experience lingers on in my mind, I wonder about the other parts in my life where an invitation to trust sits. The inclination to go with what I know to be true is strong. I also know that others have taken a different course and it paid off. David noted, in a moment of trusting, that “enemies disappear from the sidelines, their reputation trashed, their names erased from the halls of fame.” (Psalm 9.6)
This chef knew what I liked better than I did.
