I don’t like to cook. Maybe that’s because I’ve had to do so much of it with a large family. Moms do what they have to do, though, and I’ve been thankful that those at our table have been content with simple “three-pile” meals (meat, starch, veggie).
While growing up, I had no interest in watching Mom prepare meals and was irritated when she asked me to help. The truth is, I don’t think she liked to cook either. She loved having guests and was a champion at the people-part of hostessing but usually forgot the rolls in the oven and often used ingredients well past their expiration dates. I’m sure I picked up on her negative cooking vibe and ever after have viewed meal prep as a never-ending chore.
Being the wife of someone with a rapidly growing cancer has taken my usual chore list, cut it into pieces and thrown those pieces into the wind. Although I can keep medical appointments straight, I fail to pre-heat the oven. I can remember which pills should be given when, but forget the grocery list when I go to the store.
But during the last month, all food-confusion has been replaced with order. Better than that, we are eating like royalty. I haven’t had to cook for four weeks, because relatives, friends and neighbors have been doing it for me. Its spaghetti one night, cranberry chicken the next and bar-b-qued meatballs after that. The kitchen counter looks like a bakery laden with lemon bars, apple crisp, fudge and chocolate chip cookies.
Linnea has spear-headed the cooking, or should I say the re-heating, in our little kitchen, starting each morning with her happy question, “What should we have for dinner tonight?” As she asks, she’s looking into a freezer/refrigerator jam-packed with food made by women in other kitchens. It reminds me of the biblical children of Israel who entered the Promised Land in awe of God’s delightful description:
“The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant.” (Deuteronomy 6:11)
That perfectly describes our family during these days of fabulous eating! Our kitchen is “richly stocked” with food we “did not produce.” Although it’s humbling to accept edible gifts in such ongoing volume, this blessing has freed me up to sit with Nate. As I get whiffs of pot roast or honey ham floating from the kitchen, my heart sings, and the words “Dinner’s ready!” are the lyrics to that song.
Nate isn’t eating much these days, but what he does eat is nourishing, home-made goodness, thanks to our food angels. Many of the cooks have told me they’ve packed their food with prayers and longings for God’s supernatural touch on our situation. Their cooking and giving is a marvel to me. And we are literally gobbling up God’s blessings.
“O taste and see that the Lord is good. How blessed is the [person] who takes refuge in him! O fear the Lord, you his saints, for to those who fear him there is no want.” (Psalm 34:8-9)
And to those of you who’ve baked, boiled and brought these consumable gifts, here’s what the Lord thinks of you:
“To do good and share, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
God is well pleased with you, and so are we! THANK YOU!
Ohhh, it’s awesome that people bring food to you, unfortanely the mail company wouldn’t prefer sending food over seas or cookies so I will keep thinking of you and keep my prayers going for you.
The first night/evening I ever ate in the state was in your kitchen in Chicago =).. and you did cook great that night, I rememeber Nate make burgers on the grill. My brother and cousin Max was facsinated by the big flames you could get one the grill Nate, we stil have a picture. And it was a delicous meal you made for us. That’s my first memory from the states and that was a coupple years ago, now I’ve been with you more than that time and you always offer us something to eat, I’m great ful for knowing you all =)..
Sending all my love..
Marni,
It is amazing how you always see God’s goodness as you go through this difficult journey. Thankyou for sharing it with us. He is so good. It is wonderful watching all His promises come true in a tangible way in your situation. To Him be the glory!
Just read this on a Christine Wrytzen devo that I get. Thought you’d like it. DREAM
I dreamed that I had a tool in my left hand. There was something in my right hand but I didn’t know what what it was. Every time I brought my hands together, the tool in the left hand got bigger and sharper. It glistened and was ready for use.
I asked the Lord, “What is in my left hand?”
“Your story,” He said. “It’s the most powerful thing you own.”
I then asked, “What is in my right hand?”
“My Spirit and my Word,” was the reply. “Every time you bring the breath of my Spirit and the power of My Word and allow it to intersect your story, it grows in stature and influence.”
I spent the rest of the dream trying it out – moving one over the other, finally cupping my hands together. I could feel my story pulsating with life when the Word and the Spirit simmered with it.
The point ~ A person’s calling is related to the supernatural healing of their deepest wound.
Margaret, We are so blessed with your writing. I know “Aunt Pat”, aka your mom, was probably the one who was instrumental in helping you discover and love the Word. You took that early teaching and made it a lifelong passion and now you are able to recall scripture that fits your every situation in this difficult time. What an inspiration for everyone who is lucky enough to read your writings!
Oh, and by the way Margaret, no-one cared if Eveylyn burned the rolls. All anyone cared about was being with her and enjoying her hospitality. What a family!
Dear Margaret: I know how you feel. Although I love to cook, manna from heaven has been falling on us a lot lately as I take care of my mom, family, and job. Our freezer is full, from unusual and unexpected sources, and the major decision I have to make is which dish am I going to defrost for tonight! It is a blessing to not have to think of something as basic as cooking – a respite and a gift from the hand of a loving and understanding Father, who feeds the birds and the chipmunks, and us!
Isn’t that just like JEHOVAH JIRAH? Looks like a little ‘taste’ of heaven has come your way. enjoy!!
Blesssings, Patzian
I’m delighted that you are letting all of us love and care for you in different ways. So glad the family is enjoying the variety of meals and goodies. It is a privilege to help in this way to provide nourishment for everyone, and free you all up to do more important things. You are right where you should be, at Nate’s side, caring for his needs and listening to his profound words. As you enjoy the bountiful fare, may you sense how much you are loved.
“Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, and the years in which we have seen evil. Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:14-17
You are reaping the many times you have blesses others with meals. Receive and enjoy to the fullest!