Elaine Miller
Second in my Analogies From Hell series -- This is really a bad habit, don't you think? If I really sit and think about it, love is also a stewpot, but for now we'll stick with "Life is a Stewpot".
Life Is A Stewpot -- by Elaine Miller
I sit and tend my stewpot, stirring the stew and feeding the flames underneath. If I pay attention properly, the stew will not burn or stick, and the fire will not flare up and consume itself, or flicker and go out. If I form good habits, the tending of my stew becomes second nature, and I care for it comfortably and casually.
When someone drops by, they bring with them things for the stewpot. In our analogy, these things might be, oh, carrots, perhaps--or onions, potatoes. Every person has a particular thing or flavour or spice that they bring - every person's offering/contribution is different. The more that person hangs around, the more of themselves that they offer to your stew.
If someone stays around, they will flavour the stew, whether you will it or no.
Since every person who sticks around and with whom you interact brings something to the stew, you may offer all of those people a bowl or two of your carefully tended stew, without fearing that you will run out.
Pick people who actually put things of worth in the stew, though. Bitter tasting and unpleasant stuff will flavour the stew badly. Everyone else will be able to taste it, and may be less eager to drop by with their own ingredients.
If, however, your stew is made exotic and piquant, rich and nourishing, tasty and varied; your fame as a stew-tender will spread and you will attract others who appreciate the care and attention and co-operation that goes into a … really … good … stew.
