I think I have discovered a new love language! Though I’m sure that it might fall into acts of service, there is nothing quite like the thought, effort, and time that it takes to plan, prepare, and execute a well-balanced meal that serves your family. And then to do it again every single day for the rest of your life.
Over the last two years, I have really fallen in love with cooking in a whole new way. I’ve always loved cooking, but only recently has it become more than just making dinner every single evening. I have poured myself into making all three meals and snacks! All the moms unite on the never-ending snack requests. Regardless of how hard it has been, I have fallen in love with finding whole foods and creating them into nourishing meals for my family, finding new ways to prepare from scratch when possible.
At times, it has felt overwhelming, daunting, and hard when I just want to stop for takeout, but watching the way our minds and bodies have responded makes it all worth it. My girls love to be in the kitchen with me; they love to help knead dough, mix sauces, cut vegetables, grate cheese, and season meat.
Most recently, the conversations have turned to where food comes from, and in turn, the stories turn back to the Bible and how God created earth and what He created for us and how we use it to be good stewards to the bodies God created for us. Sometimes, the conversations led to talking about our days, what went wrong, and how we can still show God’s love and kindness in any situation.
Other times, in the stillness of the kitchen, as I wash the dishes each night or make breakfast Saturday mornings, I pray and talk to God and thank Him for allowing me the skills and resources to pour into my children in this way.
How much more does God desire to pour into our lives than we, as parents, could ever wish to give to our own children? How much harder must it have been for God to plan ahead for what happened at Easter? We are so grateful for the sacrifices He made for us.
Mandi Coleman, Director, St. Luke’s Children’s Center
