Its one of my very favorite things. I love, love, love home made bread – especially my grandmother’s. I come from a long line of bread bakers who know how to make an incredible loaf of bread. MMMMMmmmmm – If I close my eyes, I can smell its aroma and I can almost taste it. Nothing is like it.
There is a particular ‘bread’ moment that I remember… we were having a light dinner at my grandma and grandpa Brubacher’s house. As we sat around the dining room table there was soup in a large terrine, and there was all kinds of meats and cheeses and condiments to make sandwiches. Now for some this would not be exciting, but there in the center of the table was a platter with slices of fresh bread for the eating. You may not believe it, but I can still taste that sandwich – especially the bread. So soft, so flavorful…
unforgettable…
Not long ago at our family reunion my aunt and a few cousins were talking bread recipes and methods. As I sat listening I realized how much I would really like to make my own bread. I’ve been thinking about starting for months. But, alas, making good bread takes time, energy and a lot of practice. All of which are reasonable expectations if you want delicious bread, except for someone with a baby. Recently that baby turned one and I’m thinking I may have time to dig in very soon.
There is another ‘bread’ memory from the dinner table at my grandparent’s home. At every meal before we began eating, God’s word was opened. My grandpa would read a portion of God’s word and maybe a reading from “The Daily Bread” – or from another subscription… It didn’ t really matter – This was fresh bread from Heaven, a delectable tidbit from the Heavenly Father. So sweet and tender…
life changing…
And now it is my turn. I’ve ordered the school books for Em and Isaac this year. I’ve been praying and planning. My ideas are coming to fruition; the calendar is beginning to fill up with page numbers and basic goals for the year. But I’ve come to realize this : its nothing without the fresh bread. I’m not talking about the kind you eat for your tummy’s benefit- I’m talking about the kind you consume for your Heart – God’s word.
Its not that I didn’t plan a Bible curriculum. No, I did that. However I have been reminded of the reality that it has to be more than that. I must serve up fresh words from the Heavenly Father on a daily basis – it has to be the center of our educational feast. Without it everything else we learn is worthless. But when it is at the heart of our learning, everything else makes sense. So enlightening, so life-giving…
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
I may not get to start out with making fresh bread for our meals quite yet. But, I will be serving it up at the dining room table this year. Its my heart’s desire that every subject will have a fresh, warm side of God’s word and that our lives will be nourished on a daily basis by Him.
daily portion 