Those who know me know that I am no Betty Crocker.  For whatever reason, learning to cook wasn’t a priority of mine growing up.  I think part of me believed I wasn’t any good at it, so why try (yes, I’m a perfectionist).  My sister loved to cook and create all kinds of concoctions in the kitchen.  I personally, would rather wash the dishes than plan, cook and serve a meal.

When I was single and in the military, I loved that I could just go to the mess hall and eat.  It also made it easier to eat healthy.  Of course, last I checked I don’t have a paid cook on staff.  So as the home’s homemaker, I wonder who is typically responsible for that.  Erik really doesn’t mind cooking so much but it’s not very practical for him to take that on.  My kids really aren’t old enough yet to do the amount of cooking we need (although don’t think I’m not strategizing already lol).  So, that leaves me.

I’ve tried different things to motivate myself.  The common theme has been that I need to change my attitude toward this.  I don’t think it’s possible to force myself to like it.  As I think about a perspective change, the word “serve” keeps coming to mind.

Have you ever looked up the word “serve”?  I did today and it was rather interesting.  Here are some of the ways Webster has defined this word:

1. : to be of use: to be worthy of reliance or trust
2. : to prove adequate or satisfactory
3. : to help persons to food : to set out portions of food or drink
4. : to furnish or supply with something needed or desired
5. : to answer the needs of

Can my family trust me to care for one of their basic needs?  Can they rely on me to serve them in this way?

If I can have a servant’s heart in this area, perhaps I wouldn’t loathe it quite as much.  Serving my family home cooked meals not only shows them they are a priority, but it can also save our household a lot of money.  At the same time, since cooking isn’t a passion of mine, I must find a way to provide this service that works for me.

When I came across the 30 Day Gourmet website, I immediately thought, “oh, I could do that!”  Well, in the last few weeks I have purchased their book, taken inventory of and cleaned out my pantry and fridge, written up a meal plan, purchased groceries and today I am working on the “prep” step toward placing two weeks worth of dinners in my freezer.  My darling husband cooked a whole turkey for me yesterday while I was sick so I would have it for today’s prep work (what a hunk).  Tomorrow will be “assembly day”.

I have no idea how these meals will actually turn out.  I’m praying that the Lord will bless my efforts greatly.  I’m also praying that my family will be blessed by my willingness to do this despite how inadequate I may feel.  I know God has placed me in this role as a Homemaker and since part of the job description is food preparation, I believe He will equip me for the task at hand…if I’m willing to be His servant.