I am sitting here bawling like a baby. It was a long wandering journey back in time tonight as I scoured the contents of my well-worn recipe box. I have had it for forty years. Each recipe is a sacred memory of the past – my past – and the precious people I have called friends and family. The recipes are threads of connection that tell the story of my life and people I have enjoyed and loved. One recipe undid me tonight. It was written in 1983 on a piece of plain paper by my mother. Suddenly I could see her face, her sweet smile. I remembered her standing in front of the stove cooking and singing. She was happiest when we were all home for Thanksgiving. She cooked enough food for a huge army, though we were only a family of four. She always included our neighbors at the Thanksgiving table. I am very certain that I learned the habit of generous hospitality from my dear Momma. No words can express how much I miss my Momma.
I am grateful for the contents of my old recipe box. It was an unexpected moment in time. A moment to savor a memory of my Momma. A memory of days gone by. A moment to remember how richly blessed I have been.
Friends, I know some of you have Mommas who, like my Momma, are alive and well in your hearts. Our Mommas are in every special recipe, every memory of Thanksgiving and Holidays past. They have given us the recipes for love and the ingredients for rich and happy lives. Though it seems like a lost art form, the recipe box is priceless and ageless. It is the gift of a Mother’s love. The gift of friendships of days past. The remembrance of a life well lived.
This Thanksgiving and in those to come, I will remember – and savor – every last bite. So thankful for the old worn recipe box. So thankful.
GLENDA ELLIS
Glenda Ellis has been active in women’s ministry for 18 years. She is currently the coordinator of Women’s Bible Studies at Church in the Son in Orlando, FL and raises up leaders in the Kingdom of God. A few years ago she joined forces with Marjorie Lou and the Kingdom Purpose Beach Retreats were birthed. Her passion is to motivate and encourage others to higher and more intimate relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Glenda is an active partner on the KPL team.
