Well, as it has been said, all good things must come to an end.
This afternoon I head to Philly after five days of being totally spoiled at my friend’s house here in Florida. Of course, I will be glad to get home – there’s no place like home — but I will miss the lavish hospitality. I have grown accustomed to the way the kitchen automatically smelled great from morning ‘til night, and how hot, steaming plates were set before me with no effort whatsoever on my part.
I’ve had lamb, I’ve had lobster, I’ve had steak. And world-famous coleslaw made with love. Appetizers from crab to chicken to shrimp. Homemade ice cream (two kinds). Rich, strong coffee to open the day, cabernet and merlot to close it. Binding it all together, faithful friends to keep me company at the table. I’ve rested, I’ve played scrabble, I’ve caught up on email.
And I was introduced to the Food Network, a natural viewing choice, as I was in the company of others who like to cook and eat, just as I do. The shows were eye-opening. I discovered there are lots of people out there who are passionate about creating with food. Lots of people! I had no idea that there were so many. It would make you speechless to see what people can create with goat cheese and a carrot. I would see impressive images of sculpted chocolate, steaming broccoli soup or seared salmon on the TV screen, and want to head to the kitchen, too.
This week I did not have to do anything when I was hungry but show up at the table, sit down, and accept the plate set before me. I drank the wine, I delighted in the lobster, I enjoyed the spinach. And then, this morning when I read Isaiah 55, an invitation to the thirsty, the words had renewed meaning for me:
Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost…
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and your soul will delight in
the richest of fare.
Seek the Lord, while He may be found;
Call on Him while He is near…
Let him turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him,
And to our God, for He will freely
pardon.
Isaiah 55:1,2,6,7
All we have to do is show up, accept the plate, and feast.
And speaking of that, my friend is calling me to the table for lunch. Can’t wait to see what she’s dreamed up now.
