Not From Around Here

I come from a line of wonderful cooks on both sides of my family! I think I have successfully added my name to that list. Our style of cooking and preparing meals would have to be called comfort, home style, Southern…a.k.a. fattening! It’s not enough to have a pork chop. It must be fried and then smothered in gravy. And to go along with that, there must be creamy mashed potatoes (with a whole stick of real butter to make it even better, and if you have some heavy cream, well, you get the picture!) also with the gravy on top, a vegetable of some sort (yes, with butter or bacon for flavor), and bread. Not just any bread. Homemade yeasty dinner rolls or biscuits from scratch.

Now, my friends, you know why I struggle with my weight! This way of cooking is deep in my soul. It runs through my veins. But, I have managed to make some changes to my cooking trends and have been able to produce some “healthier” fare for my family. Moving to Colorado from Ohio helped with that as well. Colorado folks seem to eat healthier.

Several years ago, I was helping with the hospitality portion of an event at church and we had chicken with a sauce over it with dinner rolls…I really don’t remember what else was served, but I’m sure it was all good. After serving our guests, we, the helpers sat down to enjoy the dinner. When my plate was empty, I said, “I think I’ll have another roll with some gravy on top.” The gentleman sitting next to me said, “You’re not from around here are you?”

No, I am not from around here and it was obvious.

I wonder if that can be said of me when it comes to my daily Christian walk. Do people look at me and say, “She’s not from around here…her home is heaven.” I pray that my life is different from those of the world. I pray that my life reflects the image of God my Father. I pray that my Christian heritage can be seen in me. I pray that my priorities are heavenly, not earthly.

Romans 12:2 points us in this direction. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Being transformed is a process. And the way we can be transformed is by renewing our minds. Making changes in our minds. Putting aside the ideas that this world inflicts upon us, and seeking the will of God. That is transformation!

Not only have I had great examples in the kitchen, but I must say that those same family members have shown me what Godly, Christian living look like. The old gospel song, “This World is Not My Home” comes to mind. My desire is that as I am “just passing through” that others will take note that I am on my way Home. Home to my Heavenly Father.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna