With time, the ways I express myself have changed. Over the past ten years, it seems that I have increasingly let the expressions from the kitchen carry my heart and soul to others. The fruit tart was not perfect and yet it delivered my thoughts of caring and community to each at dinner. As I wake this morning of what I need to do for an upcoming pecan pie, I know it will never be at the level of my Aunt Jo’s. It does not need to be. What it must be is an expression of my heart and soul, of my love and thanksgiving for the people it is made for. As I begin to think through the ingredients, methods, and my heart, I find myself reflecting on life’s whispers intent on framing my day ahead.
Every expression reveals one’s heart. Verbal, physical, and through the different channels we have at our disposal, we share the content of our heart and soul through our actions. When it is filled with love and a passion for living, like Laura Esquivel’s story, “Water for Chocolate”, emotions are infused in everything we do. Even as we try to shape the story, our truth is revealed with the heart of our expressions.
Expressions are essential to moving forward. For me to live, fully and completely, I need to act intentionally. Each expression is a learning opportunity as I respond to my purpose. It is a combination of taking care of business and making a difference. Paul’s advice sets my foundation; “With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: ‘God has set everything right between him and me!’” (Romans 10.10) With this in place, I look at the day ahead with eyes of opportunity. I have the freedom to construct and execute dishes that are uniquely my own.
Expressions, once delivered, are part of history. What comes next is new. In my case, I would tweak the custard and brown the pastry. My goal is to realise a better today.
