I’ve planned the menu, prepared my grocery list, and shopped for the groceries. Now it is time to begin the annual . . .
Thanksgiving Cooking Marathon!
Today, I will begin cooking (chopping the veggies, making the gravy, and baking cornbread for the dressing).
Tomorrow, I will continue cooking (making the desserts and dozens and dozens of yeast rolls that Bill and my boys will inhale).
Thursday, I will complete the cooking (making the dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetable casserole and, of course, the turkey).
When I finally cross the finish line of the Thanksgiving Cooking Marathon, I will celebrate with the ones I love most. As we gather around the table, thank the Lord for His goodness, and enjoy the best meal of the year, I will ignore my aching feet and the fact that every pot, pan, bowl, and dish that I own is waiting to be washed in the kitchen.
Friday, I will wake up, my feet will still hurt, and my entire body will feel like it has been run over by a truck.
But I will be happy. I’ll explain why, but first I want you to know two things:
- I don’t participate in the annual Thanksgiving Cooking Marathon because I love to cook (I don’t) or because I love Thanksgiving (I do).
- I participate in the annual Thanksgiving Cooking Marathon for the same reason Mary Allen Perry does.
As the former Senior Food Editor of my favorite magazine, Southern Living, take a look at what Mary Allen said in the November issue:
Isn’t that beautiful? When I read Mary Allen’s quote a couple of weeks ago, it inspired and reminded me why I cook at Thanksgiving (or cook at all for that matter). And if, perhaps, you needed a little inspiration and reminding, too . . . you’re welcome.
Sisters, in all of our planning, preparing, shopping and cooking, when our feet are aching and our sinks are overflowing with dirty dishes, let’s remember why we’re doing all we’re doing. It is an offering and a gift to those we love. And ultimately, an offering and a gift to the One we love most.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” Colossians 3:23 NASB
Happy, blessed Thanksgiving Cooking Marathon!
Your sister,
