The soba, broth, and dumplings were terrific. I found depth, complexity, and warmth in the broth that I did not expect. The soba noodles were an excellent combination of freshness and lightness. Overall, it felt like the dish was cooked just right. As good as the dish was, I found myself looking for more. For my palate, the crushed cucumber salad I had on the side perfectly balanced the meal.
It was fun to listen to life whispering as I enjoyed the meal. In my mind, I looked at my relationships to the dish and my reactions to Divinity. With each, I found similarities, potential, and limits. It was as if everything in front of me had been prepared by a Divine chef looking to feed and guide.
One dish comes with limits. At the very least, ambience and an openness to what might follow are required to take me beyond anything I imagined. In my willingness to experience everything the dish offered, I was taken to an unexpected place. I felt comforted and relieved. I sensed there could be more if I were willing to go further. The crushed cucumber dish was the missing step in my culinary journey. One writer noted that early spiritual practices were “limited to matters of ritual and behaviour. It’s essentially a temporary arrangement until a complete overhaul could be made.” (Hebrews 9.10)
Life will guide and teach within the limits of my willingness to see and listen. Experience likes to remind me of lost opportunities. As I embrace those, along with the times I did hear and see, I am amazed at the frequency, depth, and candour life offers me for consideration and use. I find learning opportunities in the moments of my life, big and small.
Each moment is a personal learning opportunity I can embrace in the journey of becoming a better version of myself. My lessons are just that, mine. I believe life offers everyone the possibility of being more than s/he is. With freedom, we each contribute to the future through our words and actions.
