I spent most of today cooking and cleaning. Having spent about 80% of my life in front of the screen these past few weeks, I needed a day away from my computer. It was good to scrub and feel clean throughout the house. I love the smell of a good clean. The best part of the day, though, was when I turned my attention to the kitchen and focused on supper preparations.
As soon as the beef in the crockpot was covered in onion slices and varied spices, I zoned in on dessert. Brownies are always a good idea, and as I got the pecans out to add to the mix, I decided I would roast some of those – just to snack on through the day. Mmm, the kitchen was beginning to smell delicious, and I was enjoying Mom’s chatter as she perched by the end of the counter.
Now, time to tackle some fresh vegetables. Yellow squash, zucchini and onion were quickly sliced and sautéed as I mixed in sour cream and three kinds of cheese. Top it all with some cracker crumbs and into the oven to bake for a while. Let’s see… lettuce, spinach, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cheese… yes, I had all the makings for a lovely salad. Mom had all the makings for another story as I began to chop. Things were going well.
What was missing? Ah, pink lemonade. I do love pink lemonade. That should just about do it. As everything was timed just right, I had enough minutes to wash the cookware and set the table complete with Easter napkins. When a meal comes together, it’s almost a sort of art form. My meals often look more like a toddler’s fingerpaint project, but tonight… Rembrandt.
As my love walked through the door, the cleanliness of our home was only surpassed by the undeniable fragrance of roast beef and squash. Grabbing a handful of roasted pecans, he headed to shower before our celebration. Our table was beautiful, our evening was pleasant, and I thanked God for the day.
I may not always have a day set aside for home perfection, but I do always have instruction in the way of life. The psalmist nailed it when he wrote: You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. (Psalm 16:11, CEB)
Far more pleasant than an evening with my family, sitting at table and sharing stories, is a lifetime of praising God for abundant spiritual blessings. Thanks be to God for teaching me to appreciate days like this!
Enjoying the day,
Pastor Beth
As soon as the beef in the crockpot was covered in onion slices and varied spices, I zoned in on dessert. Brownies are always a good idea, and as I got the pecans out to add to the mix, I decided I would roast some of those – just to snack on through the day. Mmm, the kitchen was beginning to smell delicious, and I was enjoying Mom’s chatter as she perched by the end of the counter.
Now, time to tackle some fresh vegetables. Yellow squash, zucchini and onion were quickly sliced and sautéed as I mixed in sour cream and three kinds of cheese. Top it all with some cracker crumbs and into the oven to bake for a while. Let’s see… lettuce, spinach, boiled eggs, tomatoes, cheese… yes, I had all the makings for a lovely salad. Mom had all the makings for another story as I began to chop. Things were going well.
What was missing? Ah, pink lemonade. I do love pink lemonade. That should just about do it. As everything was timed just right, I had enough minutes to wash the cookware and set the table complete with Easter napkins. When a meal comes together, it’s almost a sort of art form. My meals often look more like a toddler’s fingerpaint project, but tonight… Rembrandt.
As my love walked through the door, the cleanliness of our home was only surpassed by the undeniable fragrance of roast beef and squash. Grabbing a handful of roasted pecans, he headed to shower before our celebration. Our table was beautiful, our evening was pleasant, and I thanked God for the day.
I may not always have a day set aside for home perfection, but I do always have instruction in the way of life. The psalmist nailed it when he wrote: You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. (Psalm 16:11, CEB)
Far more pleasant than an evening with my family, sitting at table and sharing stories, is a lifetime of praising God for abundant spiritual blessings. Thanks be to God for teaching me to appreciate days like this!
Enjoying the day,
Pastor Beth