Events

There are those who want to believe that live, fully and robustly live life that includes a spiritual path do not, can not, and would never even consider a party.  The idea that food, celebrations and gathering together is a regular part of someone’s life is an idea, in their minds, only for the decadent at heart.  I think that those who enjoy life to the maximum would tell any and everyone exactly the opposite!  It is the celebration of life that marks the occasions we remember.  One finds in breaking food together, laughing and remembering, talking about hopes and dreams for the future the enthusiasm to live, really live.
 
I come in for a frequent criticism because I always enjoy talking about food.  The range of topics includes the latest adventure traveling, how something is prepared, or an experience combining food, breaking bread, and friends.  For me it isn’t the food that is the most critical; it is how food is a vehicle that celebrates living.  We have an opportunity, every time we share food with another, to celebrate.  Life is about living and opportunities to make the most of it come at least three times a day, maybe more.
 
Even Jesus and the disciplines were not immune from the experience; in fact they seem to get involved at every opportunity.  It is interesting to note a reference point in time; “It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews.”  (John 7.2)  I would love to know all the details of that feast, that year.  Who was there?  Where there any special uses of herbs in the dishes?  What was the special topic of conversation? 
 
Many think of celebrations being limited to birthdays and new years.  I would like to suggest that any meal, in fact every meal is one to celebrate!  Any gathering, in fact every gathering is an opportunity to celebrate!  We are constructed for enjoyment and community.  Breaking food and great parties are words that sound like isolated events.  On the other hand, it could be breakfast!