I love trying new food, especially dishes I cannot imagine working. While I am not usually into desserts, the buttermilk pie appeared on the menu as something that was just beyond my thinking. It felt as though it would be very good or something that I did not bother going beyond the first bite. It came with a wafer-thin sugar cookie camel, seemingly reminding me that I was a long way away from Georgia and Tennessee.
It was good, really good. Even as I tried to describe it at dinner, I failed. I finally just shared bites. It was like several other pies and cheesecakes, yet refreshingly lighter and different. I started to go through the different ways it touched my senses and finally ended without words, hearing an echo of a writer’s comments out of context; “God helping us, we’ll stay true to all that. But there’s so much more. Let’s get on with it!” (Hebrews 6.3)
I know life is going to throw a few twists in today. The world is increasingly uncertain and at odds with itself. What should be clear, simple, and direct is anything but. I have no idea how to describe it, so the best thing to do is get on with living.
Life will unfold differently than I imagined. The pie reminds me that being open, engaged, and willing to embrace the experience is a formula that transcends eating unimaginable desserts. Today is an opportunity to be a part of the community. I get to put care into action. I can realise the value that kindness can bring. I know there will be twists and turns I did not anticipate. Each is an opportunity to use my experience, draw on values within, and go into action.
Not everything will likely work out according to my plan. At times, it is as if life knows better than I do. On other occasions, what unfolds is an opportunity to learn and grow. In each moment, there will be an opportunity to be present. Opportunities like this are unique. Seize the day!
