The Apron Memoirs ~ Week Four

The Apron Memoirs

Cherishing the Simple Beauty of Womanhood & God’s Design for Us

White swirls of lace adorn the rounded neckline. Two long sashes join together in the back, tied in a crooked bow, strings hanging loosely. Flour handprints and chocolate smudge designs blend into the vintage floral pattern. A pocket hiding loose buttons, coins, sprinkles & crayon bits are the grand finale to this work of art. It has been a witness to a life well lived, a culture of joy and a home woven and spun with beauty and simplicity. It has worn the tears of a little heart broken by an uncaring world, it has been enveloped by laughter in the joy of young souls creating masterpieces, it has been covered by the drool of a rosy cheeked babe nestled close to her mother’s heart, it has been worn in preparation of a blessed visit from a kindred spirit garnished with tea and sweet delicacies, it has been wrapped in the arms of a beloved husband under a moonlit sky as a long day draws to an end. It is not fancy. It is likely faded and worn. But is loved and cherished. It is whimsy and homemade cookies and humming at the sink and fingerpaints and a glass of lemonade all wrapped up in a simple smock. It is my mother. It is me. It is you.

A Father's Apron 

My husband has been known to strap on an apron every now and then. He is the Master Griller in our family, and makes a mean waffle! I don't have many memories of my Dad wearing an apron or even being in the kitchen, but one particular memory stands out. My mom was out for the night, which was rare in our home, and so my Dad was in charge of dinner. He made meatloaf. When dinner was ready and it was time to eat, he pulled the steaming juicy meatloaf out of the oven. The aroma floated up the stairs, and we all came running, ready to chow down. 

My brother, Jason, arrived in the dining room first and spotted the meatloaf. A look of disgust crumpled up his face as he spouted, "Ew. I hate meatloaf." Sarah and I had entered by this point and taking our cue from big brother, chimed in. "Meatloaf is gross!" "I am not eating that."

I can only imagine my Dad's frustration after slaving all day cooking a wonderful meal for us - what ingrates! He asked Jason why he didn't like meatloaf and Jason replied, "I don't like buffalo meat." My dad was perplexed, but decided to try to smother the flames of our meatloaf contempt and then he said something magical.

"Guys, this is CHRISTMAS meatloaf. It is not like any other meatloaf."

And that was all it took. An hour later, empty plates filled the sink and Christmas meatloaf filled our bellies. When my mom arrived home, we ran to greet her - as if she had been gone for week, much as my own children do. "Mom, dad made the best meatloaf." "It was Christmas Meatloaf!" "You have to try it!"

As my dad stepped in and explained what had happened, my mom laughed, but then something caught her attention. She turned to my brother and said, 

"Jason, Meatloaf is not Buffalo meat, what made you think that?"

Jason's response: "You know, Meatloaf - Buffalo."

In truth, there was nothing special about my Dad's meatloaf (aside from simply that he made it!). It was not buffalo meat, but as long as we believed that it was we were NOT going to eat it. It was also not "Christmas Meatloaf" but as long as we believed that it was, we were willing to forget our meatloaf disdain. Regardless of what we believed, it was the same meatloaf. 

Life is all about perspective. You have heard it said, "Do you see the glass half empty or half full?". Well, my question is, do you see your circumstances through your own ignorant eyes - as buffalo meat? Or through your Father's eyes - Magical Christmas Meatloaf.? My earthly father knew what was best for us. He knew that we needed to eat our dinner, and he created a way. Most importantly, we trusted him. Our Heavenly Father also knows what is best for us, and has created a way for us to taste the great food he has prepared for us.  But we have to be willing to look at our circumstances through Heaven's view. Trusting that God has ordained each step we take. 

As we walk through this life - we must not believe that we are eating buffalo meat. We must believe that we are eating Christmas Meatloaf. The meatloaf is the same either way, but your mindset is what changes the experience. 

Romans 8:6 says, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."

My prayer today is that we allow our minds to be governed by the Spirit. For that mind is life and peace! Who knows what amazing things could happen if we shift our perspective and make something magical out of the messy or mundane in our life...Would you trust your Heavenly Father today and taste of His Christmas Meatloaf?

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Does your husband/father enjoy cooking?
Is there an area in your life where you need to change your perspective?

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