Secrets
Tom Soma
(For Joel Stenberg)
Message on a friend’s t-shirt: Why do we need beliefs? Can't we just show up?
Two years ago, as a birthday gift for my son-in-law, Joel, I wrote an essay called “The Secret Ingredient,” which became the title piece of my second book. In it, I suggested that “love” is the secret ingredient—“the essence from which flavor emanates”—in both cooking and life.
These days, I wonder if there really are any secrets. As the Bible puts it, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
That’s especially true as it relates to God. God is either everywhere or nowhere. When we die, we’ll find out. Or not. It’s that simple.
If God is everywhere, everything is sacred. If God is nowhere, why should we have any less reverence for the world we inhabit?
As for beliefs—while interesting fodder for discussion, they aren’t terribly important in the grand scheme. All that truly matters—and the only thing over which we have any control—is how we show up.
As humans, we seek always to arrive somewhere. But we never stay long—and we’re swiftly off to the next new place. Which puts even more impetus on the way we travel.
If Joel were to prod me today, I’d say this: When you journey with an open mind, an open heart, and an open spirit, extraordinary things occur. And the best present we can give—to ourselves and others—is our genuine presence. But Joel already knows that—and he continues to guide me along that path.
As the t-shirt suggests—just show up. I guarantee you’ll enjoy the ride.
(Needham, MA)