Savoring the moment

I have vowed this holiday season to eat less food but enjoy what I do eat more. That means more careful selection, slower eating, and more thorough chewing. The health experts say that is better for me.

And I have decided to spoil myself a bit. I’m going to concentrate more on the foods I really love, like dressing and gravy (not the Stove Top variety). I think I will have a center slice of country ham with red-eyed gravy … that’s the second time I’ve mentioned gravy. I may even have a footlong chili dog. Whatever I decide, I will enjoy it slowly and savor each bite.

And I will savor some memories, reliving them slowly. Many invariably take me back to Brim Hollow. My maternal grandfather, Will Herod Brim, for all the years I knew him, ate two hard-boiled eggs at every meal.

His routine never varied. After chopping his eggs up finely with a fork, he added a pat of yellow butter and a little mayonnaise. Then, he salted and peppered to taste and mixed his simple concoction. Light bread toast (extra dry) or saltine crackers finished his feast. I will have my eggs that way a few times over the holidays. And I will find myself seated at little kitchen table covered with red-checked oil cloth and feel the heat from wood-burning cook stove and recall the sparkle in my grandfather’s eyes.

I heard of an old man who was resting in a rocking chair on the front porch of a country store long ago. A drummer — which is what they used to call salesmen — stopped by and asked the old man what he was doing.

“I am participating in a lost art,” said the old man.

The questioner asked, “And what might that be?”

The old man answered, “I’m just a sittin’.”

We might all proper by practicing that lost art.

The holidays give way to all types of gatherings — corporate parties, office parties, church dinners, Sunday school class Christmas get-to-gathers, family gathering … just to name a few. When I attend them, I always listen for the buzz. It’s the sound of people who really love each other and enjoy one another’s company. To be a part of such community is to be savored.

And there are times we get to spend, one-on-one, with lifelong friends. It is vitally important when we are with those friends that we are really with them … that we express our deepest feelings. Moments with friends are to be savored as well.

Speaking of savoring moments, one of our soon-to-be teenager granddaughters was in a hurry to catch her ride as she was leaving our house one day last week. They always seem to be in a hurry.

As she was dashing out of the door, she stopped suddenly and came back into the room. Then, without a word, she leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. And just as suddenly, she was gone. But she left me with a moment to savor throughout the holidays.

So, whatever you enjoy this holiday season, whether it be food, or being with friends and family, or having your heart warmed by some unique experience, take time to savor.

May your days be merry and bright.