Last evening we spent time with one of Michael’s cousins, Ross. He is actually Michael’s dad’s cousin. That means Ross is my first cousin, twice removed, in-law. I hope I’ve sufficiently confused you with all of this information. At any rate, it was remarkable to meet this man.
Hearing him and Johnny (Johnny is my father-in-law) relive some of their history was very intriguing; it was like peeking through the windows into the soul of this wonderful family that I’m a part of now. Towards the end of our time together, I shared a bit about my history with Ross – and about how most of my family is far away and how I try to visit when I can. And he looked at me and pointed, gently, as any only a good southern gentleman can do and said, “Go. Go as often as you can. It will mean so much later.”
And I took his advice to heart. Later, I reviewed my day, I thought about all of its details; my train of thought went sort of like this: school work, cleaning and laundry, piano lessons, workout and baking cookies for a friend…stop. Everyone knows I love to bake. Sometimes I find a great recipe online, other times I come across something in a magazine or cookbook, once in a while a friend gives me a recipe. But yesterday – yesterday I used a recipe for oatmeal cookies from my grandmother’s kitchen.
After all of the chatter with Michael’s family and the disappointment of not seeing mine any time soon, this thought began to shine warmly and tenderly, like the glow of a night-light in my heart: When I was baking those cookies, it was like spending time with my grandmother. I thought about her and my grandpa and our times together more than I had to pay attention to the ingredients or instructions, I know the recipe so well. And though my friend came and took the sweets to an event, and I did not taste even one, the time spent was good for my heart. There was comfort in making those cookies.
I’ve come to realize I can follow Ross’ advice in some ways without hopping on the next plane. I can spend time with them, in my memories right here at home. And I can keep doing things right here in my kitchen that will keep my thoughts of my loved ones real and fresh.
I apologize that there isn’t a particular Scripture for these thoughts. I thought that one might come to me…I believe it is His Will that I value the things that are truly important- time with loved ones, laughter with friends- this is what makes life sweet. Hopefully I can appreciate these things more in 2012. If I have to bake a few cookies to do it better this year than last, I guess that’s just the way it will have to be. I wouldn’t want to let Ross down.
Thank you Heavenly Father that you are the giver of all good things. Every perfect gift comes from you. I treasure the family you have given me, near and far. May I never take for granted the beautiful gift of family. amen.
From James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
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