Thursday, November 12, 2009

Regarding Miller

"I have found in my work that people can connect over good food when so many other factors seem to divide us. Sharing a table seems to unify different races, cultures, political beliefs, religious beliefs, etc. Why do you think this is so?

Eating is one of the only socially acceptable ways we can share vulnerabilities. We would never get together with strangers and use the bathroom together, but it might have the same affect. No sense putting on airs, we’re just human. So here we are, a group of people putting foods in our mouths because if we don’t eat, we die, because we are not superhuman, we are beholden to our bodies, and our bodies need food and so much more. So I think there’s a humbling aspect to eating together. And then, seated there at the table, we are even. Nobody is taller, nobody is dominating, we are eye to eye. And we have to take our time, because we are also eating, and we have to listen, less we spit soup out of our mouths for talking all the time. And it’s such a pleasurable experience too, that feeling of comfort that we are going to stay alive another few days, that we are secure. It’s a great set up for good, honest conversation. "

Donald Miller, on why people connect over good food. I'd tend to agree with what he says. I still have fond memories of the times spent in Europe, cooking a humble meal for a couple of friends from various parts of the continent. It's been a good 8 years since I started by stint in Europe, and whilst coming back home takes a bit of getting used to, it's great to see how God takes our past experiences to speak to us about various key aspects of our relationship with Him.