I was looking for something fresh, light, and easy on the stomach. Within my mind, I had a clear picture of what the avocado toast would look and taste like. As my anticipation grew, my hopes slowly began to fade. I know it would be good, even as my vision told me it would not stand out as something special.
There are times when I love how wrong I can be. This was one of them. From the initial presentation, I was hooked. Something was different about the way it looked, smelled, and presented itself. My first bite confirmed the visuals and took it to an even better place.
Expectations shrink what one can see. I went from excitement to something almost like reluctance in waiting for my order. With time, I was sure I knew what I would receive. There were no doubts or uncertainties. My goals were tempered, and success redefined to the point that I was unsure I still wanted to have this for lunch. The plated dish blew up my expectations when it arrived. I was reminded that my future remains unwritten. It can be different than I imagine. It can be so much more.
Gifts can come with an ask. In this case, the waiter invited me to enjoy. It felt like a request, almost as if it was an invitation. I found it helpful to be invited to act, open the door, step into the future, and let go of the past. Simple instructions that are so much more when one experiences them. It can be as simple as a chef inviting me to eat left to right. Even as I am asked to enjoy, I could hear the old writer referencing the gift of Divinity; “When he presents his honored Son to the world, he says, ‘All angels must worship him.’” (Hebrews 1.6)
Letting go is a doorway to new possibilities. I had let go of my expectations on sight. With my first bite, I entered a world filled with beautiful flavours, textures, and tastes – everything made possible.
