Dilemma

Here's my problem. Due to a scheduling conflict, we, the men of MNFBBQ have moved the football season ending meeting from two weeks from tonight to this evening. (See Adam? There is no such thing as the end of barbecuing season.) Like all MNFBBQ members on the day of a meeting, I would try to minimize my caloric intake today so as best to enjoy tonight's menu, much like Jews have the commandment to eat little the day before Passover in order to maximize one's appetite for the Seder.

You may be asking yourself what's the problem. Since you may have asked, I will tell you my problem. This evening there will be a small family get-together for my nephew's birthday party. While it will not prevent me from making MNFBBQ at Stale Buns' house, the menu presents a problem. In the past, I have attended other festive events right before an MNFBBQ and eaten just enough so as not to appear rude to the hosts. Tonight's birthday dinner is different. My nephew, who, at nine years old is obviously wise beyond his years, has chosen barbecue for tonight's menu and selected Romanian meats as the specific fare.

Now do you see my problem? This is much like the Talmudic dispute regarding a shopper who, during the week, sees an especially fine cut of meat in the market. Does he buy it and set it aside for the Sabbath, since there is a commandment to have the finest food on the day's holiest week, or does he not wait to eat it and have faith that God will present him with an even better piece before week's end? Also, what if, God forbid, tragedy would prevent me from getting to Stale Buns' house? Won't I regret not seizing the moment?

It's early in the morning and I may not be thinking straight, but my plan as of now is to have one hot dog at the birthday dinner while still leaving plenty of room in my stomach for the evening's main event. I have my doubts whether that is the correct path to take though. I can only pray that God grant me the wisdom and strength to reach a just conclusion to my difficult dilemma.