Following the recipe
Years ago, my wife decided to get her National Board Cer tification as a teacher. We agreed that I would take over the cooking responsibilities so after work she could focus on her objective. Mind you, I grew up in a family where men were not allowed in my grandmother’s kitchen, and most men I knew only cooked on the grill, not preparing meals in the kitchen. Nevertheless, I undertook this new task with enthusiasm. I became the chief cook and when the kids came home from school, they asked their dad, “What’s for supper?” Strangely, that role never went back to my wife.
Not to brag, but I became a pretty good cook.
To this day, my grandkids give me high marks for my meals, whether it is breakfast, lunch or supper.
During the time COVID kept most of us at home, I watched a lot of cooking videos on YouTube. I found one on making hotdog meat sauce. Not chili, but the kind of meat sauce I grew up with in South Carolina. I immediately followed the instructions on the video and the result was better than I hoped. It was just like the hotdog sauce at a gas station near my grandparent’s house and I was in culinary heaven.
I didn’t stop there. I made SOS (I will not tell you what it stands for, but most Army veterans will know.) I made crawfish etouffee for the first time and it was among the best I’ve ever had. I cooked other things, but each time, it came out great. Was it because I’m a special and talented cook? No. It was because I followed the instructions, the recipes and used the right ingredients. Anyone can be a great cook if they follow the right recipe, and don’t skip any of the instructions.
The same is true in the Chris-tian life. God has given to us His recipe for life, for experiencing joy, peace and love. He has laid out instructions that are timeless and result in a life that is both abundant and eternal. It is in the great recipe book called the Bible. Those wonderful spiritual dishes are only produced in our lives when we follow God’s instructions. You don’t have to be a great person, with a great education or special abilities. You just need to be obedient to God’s Word, and God’s will for your life. Step up, take on the role of being the spiritual cook in your family’s life. Bon appetit!
