In theory there was plenty of food. Enough pizza for twice the number of individuals present. Enough refreshment for three times the same number. Even deserts were above the 100% mark. In the end, there was nothing left. Metaphorically, “they consumed every blade of grass in the country and picked the ground clean of produce.” (Psalm 105.35)
As I surveyed the scene, I wondered about the reasons. While being hungry accounted for part of what unfolded, it did not account for everything in front of me. Reminders that I find myself holding onto include the following.
When one enjoys something, there is a natural tendency to indulge. Equally so, when something is not used to its full, a statement has been left by those present. While personal taste preferences explain part of the story, the major statement is that if one enjoys something there is always a bit more room than one thought possible.
When others enjoy – being it in acting or experiencing – their enjoyment is an invitation to others to join in. Most of the time the invitation is left unsaid. A smile, laugh, and celebration is in itself an invitation to others.
Individual bias often clouds how one sees and understands what is going on around him or her. In this case, I was confident that the food was good. Yet there was a quiet bias on how good it was which set boundaries on my vision and imagination. The outcome caught me by surprise! I was looking for ways I could quickly supplement the menu with something more. I realized that the portion was “just right”. Nothing more was needed, for now.
As I awake on the day after, looking at dirty dishes and reflecting on how many times I have prepared a table, I found myself trying to remember the outcomes! Was everything consumed or was there unanticipated leftovers?
It will be interesting to see what is on the menu for today. I have no idea. I know I will be thinking about my bias, determined to hear what is being said.
