“The most indispensable ingredient of all good home cooking: love for those you are cooking for.” – Sophia Loren
Well, today’s act was actually performed in the name of LOVE a few weeks ago. But it was so good, I decided I could share it today.
This act of LOVE was inspired by my church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Our church is engaged in a practice called “Advent Conspiracy”. Here is an awesome (and I mean that word in the way it was intended) video which explains the idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU
Basically, the video (and our Pastors) were encouraging us to spend less money, and instead give more time.
I was inspired. I thought, “What can I make that would feel like a real gift?” It suddenly came to me: meals. My daughter and my son are busy people. Christine works 12-hour days or nights, and David works 10-hour days. They tell me they are usually too exhausted to cook when they get home. So, I fired up the stove and started cooking. I decided to include my overworked sister and her teenage daughter in on the scheme. I cooked up four huge portions of their favorite meals, including beef stew, chicken wild rice soup, and chili. I divided the meals up into Tupperware containers. Each person got four separate meals. And, because we celebrated Christmas early this year, I presented these gifts to my family this weekend.
I have to say, it was an act of LOVE to do all this cooking. But the benefits to me were immeasurable. They were so happy to get four containers of Mom’s (or Sister’s) cooking.
It was cheaper than buying the latest sweater at Macy, but it involved a lot more time on my part, and truly a lot more LOVE.
It is so good to invite Christ into my heart this season by giving the gift of LOVE.