Years ago, when we lived in Korea, there was a fellow mama I met who gave me the best advice I can remember. We were at a church potluck and she made this amazing Chicken Enchilada recipe. Everyone was raving about it, so of course, we all asked her for the recipe (which I use to this day). She was such a sweet, humble woman. Of course, she said she would share the recipe, but as she was talking about cooking and family, she told us the best thing you could do as a young mom is learn to cook.
I thought to myself, really? Why?
Let’s eat!
Eating together is what humanity has done since the dawn of time. Breaking bread is a sign of friendship, fellowship, and family. With the busyness of life nowadays, I know it can sometimes be hard to all eat together and enjoy a meal. But I think we can all attest to the fact that although it may be difficult, there’s just something special about family dinners.
After a little thought, I recognized that fact even all those years ago. My friend further pointed out that it’s worthwhile to cook well so that our kids will always have that to look forward to when they come and visit when they’re older. Essentially, it gives them yet another reason to come home. As I’ve gotten older and several of my kids are either out of the house or in college, that little bit of advice has only become more spot on for me.
Not just about food, but…
To be clear, my kids don’t exclusively come home just to eat their favorite childhood meals. But I love that they definitely look forward to dinners. Dinner may seem like it’s just where we physically refuel, but it can also be the place where we emotionally and spiritually refuel.
I’m going to keep it real here – sometimes our dinners seem as if we’re crazed maniacs shoveling down food so that we can get to the next activity. Other times, we take our time and chat about our day. But it’s in the rhythm and consistency of eating meals together that will create awesome memories. This is the time of building strong relationships, whether our children are 2 or 22. And I would argue the best way to do that is around that table.
Cry baby
I have a confession to make – I am a crier. Anyone who knows me, knows this about me (so be forewarned). It’s embarrassing sometimes, but I just can’t help it. One way this manifests itself is every time my older kids go off to college or just leave to go home. Without fail. The funny thing is, they come back often. But wow, do I miss them. It seems like yesterday they were all under this roof, living their sweet little lives here for me to be a part of.
Time flies my friends! Way, way too fast. We must take advantage of the time we have. It really is true that the days are long, but the years are short! I know it may not seem as if it’s really all that valuable to cook good food, but I can honestly say making a few meals well for my kids has been a blessing. And I love that all of my kids are wooed home, and look forward to dinner together.
Not about perfection
I’m not saying you need to be able to compete on The Great British Bake-Off or anything. That’s not the point. But taking the time to cook well the things your family enjoys is so very important.
What’s more, it’s during the every day meals that we can know what is going on in our kids lives. We can speak truth and wisdom in their ears as we read God’s Word together. Or talk about what we’re reading or learning at school.
Meals are essentially a tool we can use. It provides daily time to build up our children and establish the foundation of our families. It’s a little like like planting seeds that will one day grow to produce trees that will give you fruit day in and day out.
Start simple, but start
Who knew that cooking could be so consequential? If you have no clue how to start, start simple. And if you know you have a busy week coming up, make a menu. This is something I do pretty much every week. It helps maintain grocery shopping to a minimum (since if you know what you’re making all week, you can get what you need in one trip, rather than 13 all spread throughout the week).
I’m a big believer in queasy (i.e. quick and easy) meals. It’s sort of amazing what you can throw together with a little planning in under 30 minutes. Granted, most of my meals usually take around an hour, but I definitely schedule in a few easier meals throughout the week, especially when there’s a game or some other activity to go to.
MHM has a few fun cookbooks! What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!
