Monday 20 April. In a world where things are constantly changing, there are some things that never change. Laundry, for one! And our need for food.
I’ve never really been the type to love being in the kitchen. In fact, those who know me well, will tell you that there are seasons in my life in which I’ve held an intense dislike for anything remotely resembling handling food. I love eating it, but the preparation? Not so much. As a mum I’ve had to learn to just do it, regardless, and for me there have been many life lessons – and detours – to my journey of learning to appreciate being in the kitchen.
Nearly four years ago I had a fall that rendered me unable to stand for periods of time, let alone hold a knife and lean my head over a bench top to slice anything. The simple act of trying to brush my daughters’ hair would reduce me to tears. Trying to focus on anything while sensations like glass shards restricted my every move was basically impossible. Through the literal pain, I realised the blessing that I’d had, of being able to take those things for granted. And I resolved that one day, when I was well again, I would choose thankfulness.
It took over a year before I could walk without triggering additional pain, another year before I could go anywhere (even to sit through my girls’ gymnastic session or a church service) and be able to bear the cost once I returned home, and a third before I could cook a full meal without having to compromise something else in my day to make it do-able. That was last year.
I still find it easy to revert to my previous habits of avoiding and disliking being in the kitchen. But these past three weeks, I’ve found myself stopping myself as those habitual thoughts come to mind, breathing deep, and taking the time to linger in the kitchen. To make it my only focus, while I’m there. Because right now I have the time to cook – and only cook – without trying to be in a million different places at once. I can, and I am, and for that I am so very thankful.
Kristy x
0 Comments