Yesterday, at 3:45 P.M. my Mum texted, “no strawberries.” What a bummer! We had been planning all week to make strawberry jam, so this was a bit of hindrance to our plans. Strawberries, are truly a big part of making strawberry jam. So, our redirected plan was to try for early next week, maybe Monday.
At 5:20 Mum called to say – there were berries after all! She and dad would be over shortly with 8 quarts of fresh-from-the-field Tidwell’s berries. We were on!
JAM!
With the event of my parents moving to Chattanooga recently, Mum and I keep recognizing all the things we’ve never done together as adults. And so far we seem to be good partners in crime.
The jam-making was lots of fun – and sticky – and almost a huge disaster. We got into a bit of a jam, while making our jam. We had lids pop off of two of our jars while they were processing in a pot of boiling water. We almost had a hot, sticky mess on our hands! But, mom, after 30 years working as a surgical nurse in the operating room, thinks faster on her feet than anyone I know, and we managed to take care of things efficiently and quickly.
You know, there are many times I go it alone. I’m independent, quite a bit hard-headed – and I strike out to accomplish projects without help. But, I don’t believe that is how God made us to really function. He made us for relationship, with Him, and then with others. In the small things, and in the big things – Life is better in community!
I keep thinking of this Scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Jam-making in my kitchen is the perfect example – My prior jam making skills, and my mom’s quick thinking added together is what made our adventure a satisfying success! Loving one another and encouraging one another thru all of life’s jams is a big part of life in Christ! Here’s to many more jams with you, Mum!
daily portion 
I want some of that jam!! Looks so good!