Obedience and Surrender

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From the Editor

What’s Cooking in Your House this Christmas?

By Arlene Allen

Years ago, I was making candy when my son came into the kitchen. “Whatcha making, Mom?” “Coconut dreams,” I answered. Suddenly, I heard him announce, “Mom’s in the kitchen cooking up dreams!” Everyone laughed, but his words held some truth. Mothers do have the ability to cook up lasting dreams for their families.

During the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, we tend to forget the privilege of cooking up dreams for our family. Yet, a mother’s attitude and actions set the emotional climate throughout the whole house. Ever notice that Dad can have a bad day and everyone stays out of his way? But if Mom is having a bad day, everyone else has a bad day, too!

Stop and ask yourself, What will my children remember about me? It’s unlikely they will remember a spotless house, an always-serene mother, and a perfect home. They will remember those times when you cooked up some way to make pleasant memories of shared joys, big or small.

Take time to enjoy your family and guests instead of worrying about everything being perfect. A good rule to follow is, “Everything in its place when guests arrive, then relax and enjoy.” I remember one Thanksgiving how exhausted I was after everyone left. I remarked to my husband that I had been so busy with details I didn’t have a meaningful conversation with anyone. The next year, the turkey was cooked earlier in the week, sliced and frozen, and ready to reheat, and family members shared assignments. The result was more time for conversation, hugs, and cooking up new memories.
What are you cooking up at your house this year? Why not determine to cook more than a good meal? Why not cook up some lasting dreams for your family and friends?