Food and Family

You know, there's something special about preparing food for the people that you love. We had had family from out of town visiting, and when I initially learned of their arrival I immediately started planning menus for their stay. Not because our visiting was going to be about food and eating, but because it was important to me to express that I was thinking about them and I wanted to be able to show that I care about them.

Over time, it has become more noticeable to me just why I cook, and why I take the extra steps to feed those who sit at my table in a healthy way. It's because I care. It's because I love them. Otherwise I would let dinner be a free-for-all! Not making dinner for them would express that I didn't care, or at best, that I was indifferent.

Dinner's not about being a fancy cook, or even a good cook. It's not about indulgences either. The most humblest of meals can feel like a hug to the human soul when prepared with the intention of love, and create the far bigger impact than a fancy smancy 5 course chef prepared meal any day of the week!

When I cook, I am thinking about those who will eat it the whole time. I want my food to be good because I want to make them happy. I want my food to be good for them because I care about their health.

Cooking isn't really a chore then. It's an opportunity to express care. It's a chance to say "I love you" without saying a word. It's a physical expression.

Does that means all of the meals I prepare always get standing ovations and the people that I serve always tell me how wonderful a thing I did for them? Nope. Occasionally I may even get more of a critique than I care for, I mean, let's face it... not everything we cook is going to be a home run! Or perhaps they are just busy and wolf down their food without of a thanks! Sometimes. But even that doesn't change my intent. I prepared it with love so that intention stays out there in the universe, no matter what.

Not long ago, I was visiting my 20 year old son, and he was talking to his older sisters. I heard him say to them that one of the things he missed about being at home was how "mom would cook for us". He said that it just "felt good".
He expressed it as a feeling. And knowing that he got my message felt very good in my heart, indeed.