The Best Thing in Life

Food may just be the best thing in life - ever. After a stressful day, there's nothing better than sitting down to a savory, satisfying meal. For just a while I can relax and leave my troubles behind. Even if I've had a good day, topping it off with a decadent dessert can make things even better.

Like many people, I use food to celebrate, to commune with others and, on occasion to console. On bad days it may be the single best thing about my day. A day without good food is a day not lived, or at least one not lived well.

Some may argue that there are other things in life that would rate higher than food, but in my mind, nothing else compares to food - day in and day out, no matter our age, our culture, social standing or even the thickness of our wallet.

Preparing food, however, seems to require more patience than I usually have. So, it is a good thing that I married someone who has the patience, the desire to cook, and most importantly, a far better palette than me. I often watch as he prepares our meal: dicing, chopping, slicing, mincing, mixing, sautéing, grilling or braising. Each word we have for food preparation requires a slightly different technique and each technique requires patience.

So, it was only after watching him cook and we finally sat down to enjoy the delicious meal he prepared that it occurred to me that the true best thing was not something found among the ingredients. Yet, it was present in every meal he prepared. It was there as we sat down to enjoy it and even as we cleaned up afterwards. The key ingredient to everything was love.

Love is truly the best thing in life. Without love, even good food seems lacking. The spices may tingle our tongue, but without someone, whether it be a friend or a loved one to enjoy it with, everything can seem bland. I even enjoyed the cold and expensive little cup of soup up in the Rocky Mountains just because I was able to share it with my good friends. (We sure did share some other wonderful meals though.) So, to my loved ones, my dear family, my friends close and far, and even to my coworkers and the many acquaintances in my life, I thank you. You have each in your own way given me the best thing in life: love. And, a close second - you have given me the excuse to enjoy good food.