Today has been an adventurous
day – a culinary adventure for certain. Through this adventure I have been
asking myself “why”? Why this path?
I am often amazed by the ways
of the universe. It has an uncanny ability to surprise us in the most pleasant
of ways. With tiny nudges the universe reminded me why this is the path I MUST travel.
I feel I have no choice and am being called to contribute in a way that a corporate
job seems to stifle.
We had to take it easy in
Michigan today, we were flying home this evening. Lunch was planned with aunt who lives in
Michigan. Auntie has been our compass on this short trip, showing us the food
sights – from dive, to hipster restaurant, and back to local treasures. Now –
my dad’s side of the family is not one I know well. They were up north (mostly
Michigan) and I grew up in Florida. My parents divorced when I was young, so
distance and circumstance kept me from cultivating relationships.
Auntie, well, she is cool. I
am grateful that I get to know her as an adult, grateful to not have her
spoiled with childhood memories that would cloud my ability to know her now.
HopCat yesterday – that was thanks to her. Ordering dessert for an appetizer –
all her idea! Yeah – she is the aunt you always wanted. If you are nice, I
might decide to share. Oh, who am I kidding, she is MINE! My 4-year-old self
has spoken.
I find that the simple things
in life are the answer to the question ‘why?”. Today, it was the sharing of
stories with Auntie, and the sharing of her pride (food) that made the day
special. Auntie is a pastry chef. Her culinary perspective is one I trust. So,
to Leo’s we went, where I had a Special Coney Dog. it is simple really: a hot
dog topped with chili, cheese, and mustard.
Then, I
discovered the Midwestern way to eat paste and my new favorite: Spaghetti
topped with chili and cheddar cheese.
Oh. My!
On our way to the airport she
delivered a parting gift: a lunch bag filled with cookies; four varieties she
had baked herself this morning. She included my absolute favorite,
Snickerdoodles! We don’t know each other well (remember, we are getting to know
each other now). Yet another surprise from the universe in this little bag of
cookies.
On the flight, more nudges. Diane, the flight attendant was witty, funny,
and a true pleasure. We shared some cookies with her, I hope Auntie doesn’t
mind. Diane reminded me exactly why: hospitality. The word is said to first be found
in Greek writings, meaning to Love Strangers. Diane and the Michigan fan on the
flight with us showed us, two strangers, some great love.
On the next flight, the
perfect ending to a series of nudges from the universe: the two sitting in
front of me were perfect strangers perfectly paired on the flight. A young man
(22 years old) and a businessman (I would say mid to late forties) were placed
beside each other. This particular businessman seemed ready to work. I was
amazed when he engaged the novice. As only the universe would have it, they are
in the same field. The novice, fresh out of college, is just a couple of months
into his first career job. The businessman chose to use his flight to teach the
novice the basics of his business. In the hour long flight, he chose to mentor
someone who he would receive zero direct benefit from. As we descended to land,
I interrupted the two and simply thanked the businessman. This, exactly this,
is the answer to why. As I told him – I would have killed for someone to teach
me like that in my first months. Mentors are incredibly hard to discover. Their
time is a commodity they invest sparingly. Yet there he was – teaching someone
he did not know. Nudge. Today was the businessman’s birthday. He was supposed
to be on an earlier flight, but changed to a later one to spend time with
nieces and nephews in a layover city.
The universe conspired to
remind me of my goal at age 11. It was a simple one, but lofty: To impact the
lives of everyone I met. As an adult, I
expand that to ‘Love Strangers’. I always thought I chose restaurants. Turns
out that hospitality chose me.
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