Anticipation

Anticipation. Preparation.

Some of the fun of having visitors is anticipating their arrival. Preparing their rooms. Planning and fixing food. Lighting the fire, and warming or chilling the wine.

As I chopped onions this morning and peeled a pile of shallots, I sensed myself tensing up and wishing the work were all finished. I stopped myself and put on a praise CD, reflecting on a half-heard story which suggested that the taste of the finished food reflects the attitude of the chef: if it is prepared in love, it will be delicious. If it is prepared in haste and impatience, perhaps there might be a bitter aftertaste.

I don’t honestly believe that: I’ve seen Gordon Ramsey’s fiery temper in the kitchen and am sure his food doesn’t leave a bitter after-taste! But perhaps as I try to create the perfect ambience, I might spoil it if there is an air of exhaustion hanging over the kitchen!

 

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it as if you’re doing it for the Lord. One of Solomon’s wise proverbs. When I think of who I’m making soup and fish pie for, my heart sings, and whether or not the food tastes better, I know that I will have a cheerful face to greet the guests rather than a strained and tired one.

I’m really looking forward to sharing food with much loved family. Happy weekend!

Relax!

Fourth entertainment event at our place in eight days. I’m on first names with the folk at Tesco as I dive in practically daily.

There’s a few plus points on having a rolling diary of events. Having picked up the clutter in many rooms, it hasn’t had time to slump back onto chairs and tables in quite the usual amounts. A quick dash round in a few minutes should complete the tidying, then a zip through with a duster. 

We’re eating well. If it’s not the original dishes it’s the leftovers the next day. Desserts in abundance; good for the taste buds – bad for the figures. 

We’re enjoying meeting new people, getting better acquainted with folk we don’t know very well, and enjoying close friends and family. 

The downside, from my point of view, is the number of hours I’ve spent both at Tesco’s and in the kitchen over these last eight days, and that’s with keeping meals fairly simple and relaxed. 

Jesus enjoyed parties and gatherings with friends, and he didn’t need fancy food or well-dusted houses. He told Martha to relax and hinted that she should join her sister Mary in just enjoying his presence rather than racing round trying to make everything tidy and perfect.

I’m taking that story to heart, so that tonight I will enjoy our company and not be so worn out I haven’t the energy to contribute to the conversation.

Prep

My life seems to be one of constant preparation.

We had eight overnight two nights running this weekend, and ten for dinner. I wanted to enjoy them, to be able to sit with them and get to know this team of theology students who are studying with our son. I wanted to hear what they are thinking and participate. 

But I also needed to feed them and have beds ready. So that required prep.

I wanted to be Mary, but I had to be Martha first. 

It worked, though. It was fabulous, fun and – exhausting in a good kind of way! 

And now I’m on to the next prep. My mother and daughter flying in together on Thursday. Eldest son getting married on Saturday. In an outdoor ceremony, and the forecast is for rain.

Prep. As long as we have prepared for all contingencies, we can enjoy the festivities.

So I will bustle off again to be Martha. But my plan is to have plenty of Mary time, soon.