Recently I re-read Supper of the Lamb, by Robert Farrar Capon, which is a beautifully written culinary reflection on cooking, hospitality, and theology. As he discusses recipes for how to cook lamb in different ways, he also reflects on the nature, beauty, and complex simplicity of an onion, as well as drawing in theological reflection on feasting, fasting, and generosity in hosting.
Though there are many aspects of this book that could be discussed at length, one sentence that I found particularly striking was early in the book, where Capon reminds us that:
“Life is so much more than occasions, and its grand ordinariness must never go unsavoured.” (Supper of the Lamb, 27)
Sometimes we can get caught up in thinking about the next big thing. The next project, the next event, the next career step. The next change or move in our lives, and place these “big occasions” as front and centre in our minds. However, as Capon articulates, life has a certain grand ordinariness, which is itself a good and beautiful thing.
Do you savour the ordinary moments in life?
Do you relish in your drive to work? Doing the dishes? Tending your gardens or washing your hair? These moments which at times feel like a grind or inevitable frustrations can be seen as small wonders.
What might it look like for you to consider the ordinary parts of your life as a gift from God, which are sacred and holy?
“A man can do worse than be poor. He can miss altogether the sight of the greatness of small things.” (Supper of the Lamb, 25).
This week I am being challenged to look more fondly on the ordinary things, the small moments, and to see that life is not all about the shiny moments of glory and change. Life is made up mostly of the ordinary, and we are called to look on these ordinary moments and live through them as a gift from God.