Well That Was Easy

The potluck’s tomorrow! I hadn’t rsvped to say what I would bring. I called to ask what was still needed to fill out the menu. “Could you bring a salad or main dish?” Salad, great I can do that. I checked my cupboard. I had dried cherries and pecan pieces. In the frig was a very tasty dressing and a bag of fresh spinach. I was set. I tossed the ingredients together and called it a salad. Cool.

“This is yummy Lisa what is in it?” I blushed. “Not much really I just threw some tastes together that I like.” “Well it’s good.” And that was that. Easy. I sighed and shook my head. Why do I always make it so hard? Usually I make something from scratch for a potluck. I whip up a fancy dessert or slave over an appetizer, some crowd-pleaser.

This little experience hit home with me. It’s great to go the extra mile but you need to know when it’s necessary. A small potluck is not necessarily the time to go all out. It was fine to just use the basics and enjoy the company around me rather than stress about making a splash with something over the top tasty. I missed the point. It’s about being together not getting the right taste on the table. Especially at a potluck, let someone else shine for a change! You do not always have to be the one who goes the extra mile to make something from scratch. Be there, be present. Don’t spend your time in the kitchen when the action is in the dining room or the family room where the fun is happening.

At this time of the year when we all tend to over do in many, many ways, take a moment to think of where you can stop, breath, and look for the simple solutions rather than go to an extravaganza of effort. The best part of this season is having time with family and friends. If you are stuck in the kitchen, or mall, or freeway you are missing the point. I tried the easy way out and was rewarded with an evening of pleasant connection to friends. Give it a try and see what you find.

Posted 12/6/2006 @ 8:41 PM | Weekly Thoughts