Every option was on the table as I sat down. I could eat with a traditional knife, fork, and spoon. Chopsticks were included in the setting. Additionally, I knew I always had the option of eating with my hands. Everything was set for the meal, especially with the friends, warmth, and conversation that followed.
With a few minutes to myself, I found myself thinking about how Life whispers, reminders in a way. Each was familiar. I could see how the alignment with proper etiquette. What was confusing was why I often found it difficult to act with certainty that I was doing the right thing with what I had.
Living and eating right is bigger and more flexible than I realise. I have come to understand that there are several ways to eat a dish. Maki rolls were created with eating with one hand in mind. It avoids getting oils on playing cards. Equally acceptable are chopsticks, though there are cultural nuances that come with their use. Enjoying a baked dish also has options. Chopsticks, a fork, or a knife and fork all work. Each aligns with a specific context, yet the choice is flexible.
My choice of utensil is not about trying to avoid getting it wrong. The focus is all about the best way to get it right. Too often I react negatively, focused on not offending and avoiding the obvious actions that talk of bad manners. The setting spoke to giving me a choice of how I could enjoy the meal while paying honour and respect to the chef and cuisine culture. In the shadows and the setting in front of me, my choices were a playful way of illustrating Paul’s advice; “That’s why you must live responsibly – not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.” (Romans 13.5)
Life finds meaning in action. Tacos were enjoyed with fingers controlling the experience. Salads with my knife and fork made great sense. Chopsticks brought the baked dish to life.
The settings today open doors to making a difference.
