Cook With Love

Can I be honest with you? 

I don't really like to cook.  GASP!

I would be totally fine with snack dinners 365 days a year! 

You know, crackers, cheese & grapes or chips and dip served up until you were full. 

But, I know that's not what's best for my crew.

I don't know if it's lack of confidence, recipes with too many steps or unfamiliar ingredients, or just that I would rather be doing any number of other things. I cook because my family needs to eat. Period.

Sure, I love to bake and create yummy desserts, and I really enjoy making breakfast food, but that doesn't quite cut it either.

Here's the thing, though. I really LOVE sitting down to a home cooked meal.

I remember calling my grandmother after I bought and prepared my very first Thanksgiving meal. I called to tell her thank you for years of selfless service to her family. I called to say I was sorry for not being thankful enough for the sacrifice of resources and time required to prepare such a meal. I called to promise to do the same for my family and to always help her when I was able.

 She never complained. She never made it out to be a big deal. She just cooked with love so we could celebrate life together. Pies and homemade rolls, that to me would be much easier to buy at the store, were labored over days before the meal to make sure everyone had their favorites at the table.

Her hands kneaded dough and rolled out crust.

Her mouth tasted to make sure the flavor was impeccable.

Her eyes peered into the oven to be sure the tops were just the right shade of golden brown.

Her apron was dusted with flour...

Surprisingly, I'm not an apron girl. I use the front of my jeans to dust my hands, much to her dismay.

But, you know what? I really love to celebrate life. And I know all celebrations involve food. Yummy food prepared (or store bought and served up pretty) to make the celebration memorable.

 Psalm 36:8 says,

 "They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights."

Our Father provides an abundant feast for us...He delights in doing so! I can be more like my Father by following His example.

So whether you love to spend hours researching, planning, shopping, and preparing OR if you are more of a "semi-homemade" kind of girl, you can celebrate life and cook with love!

I love this beautiful reminder. The message matters for all the times I don't really feel like doing it. The message reminds me of my calling and the blessings I am charged with caring for. Oh, Lord, help me celebrate life and cook with YOUR LOVE!!!

Check out the apron: here.  

Cut it up and staple to a canvas for a fun wall decor piece!