As we sat down to dinner, I found myself thinking of the friend that first recommended the small hole in the wall location that always reminds me of Tokyo. As the first course arrived, I thought that it would be good to send a quick message, if only to let him know how much I appreciated his recommendation and the experiences that have followed. Instead of acting, I lost myself in the meal experience and the conversation at hand.
As the meal wrapped up, my guilt on now saying anything began to grow. I could have, should have, still could send a message. As I reached for my phone a familiar voice interrupted my actions.
They were here! Our conversations began with a public celebration of the chefs, service, and our experiences. While it initially did not seem like there was room for everyone, the natural ebbs and flows of diners soon meant that we had room. As we enjoyed an impromptu catch-up on life, I was reminded of the following.
Celebrations can happen anywhere and at any time. When there is a reason, in this case food but it could be anything, it is time to following the old psalmist observation; “God rules: there’s something to shout over! On the double, mainlands and islands, celebrate!” (Psalm 97.1)
Great experiences come with an inbuilt invitation and desire to repeat themselves. In this case, the combination of good food and service with a great price point creates a desire to regularly experience again and again.
Everything is better with friends, especially when there is an opportunity to revel in ideas and doing things together. When it is impromptu, one is reminded of the fun in planning ahead. When one plans ahead, one wonders what ti would be like if things happened in the moment.
I am still smiling, inside and out, from the dinner. I am looking forward to the next, when and wherever it might occur. Until then, I hear a standing invitation to create and recreate magical experiences with others in the moment at hand.
