“But He (Jesus) answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ””
Matthew 4:4 NKJV
Winter and the holidays are here! I’ve been baking a bit more. Actually I’ve been baking the same thing, Abuelita Cookies.
But I’ve baked them three different times already. That’s more baking than I did last year! So in this new season of baking, I’ve learned three things so far.
1. Something not going right does not mean it’s ruined.
My second batch of cookies were super thin and fragile because I tried a vegan recipe. I stressed over their imperfections and worried that they would be rejected because of that. The cookies didn’t look right to me, but the vegan host (who invited me to brunch) was very touched that I attempted to make something with her in mind. Also, for me, they were the best tasting batch. The cookies didn’t end up looking “right” to me. But for the person I was giving them to, they were more than enough.
2. Balanced and consistent work is necessary.
I do not own a mixer. Sorry, that was a lie. I do own a hand mixer, called my hand with a fork. Beating or whisking things by hand, grating chocolate (soooo much chocolate), that all took work. There were times I thought if I put more pressure, went faster, that would get it over quicker. It…went faster but made a mess and wasted ingredients. Still, I couldn’t just give up. The pressure, the work, was still needed.
Grating chocolate too fast would make it go everywhere. Not grating it fast enough made the chocolate melt in my hand. I had to go at a steady pace and stay there. It was hard and there were easier ways, electric tools or something else bakery, but I don’t have those tools or knowledge. I have my hands, Google, my sisters who have even sold their own baked goods before, and the willingness to learn the patience of working steadily continuously.
3. Condemning work at any point isn’t helpful.
This one hit me hard. See, even when I started with the first batch of cookies, I kept telling myself “I’m no baker. My sisters would do these better. I pray these turn out well.” Even after they were done. In my mind, I kept doubting and condemning my work before I started as “not the best” because I’m not a baker. That the only reason that they would turn out good was because of God.
Which God did help a lot!
But the biggest thing God gave me was peace. Especially with the third batch. The “I’m no baker,” thought didn’t come into my mind because I was at peace and hopeful in how this batch would turn out. I stayed consistent in my work, put on Christmas music (early I know but I was inspired as I watched my sisters decorate on FaceTime), and thanked God that I could do this for people, let them know that someone cares during the holidays.
Then the third batch turned out to be the most cookie like! They could’ve used more spice for me, but for my friends and colleagues, they were good enough. One person even told me that they were the best cookies she’s had since being in Budapest. I was blown away. I had told myself I’m not a baker, which is true, but I let that truth determine the thought that I can’t bake. It’s like an apple tree that gives up producing apples because it can’t make good oranges.
Condemning my work (to be mediocre or imperfect) just because of a truth (I’m not a baker) does not mean that my condemnation is honest or helpful. To the people I gave the cookies out to, those cookies were not mediocre. My “honest” condemnation before I started wasn’t helping my mindset stay consistent or present. On the first two batches, I had this nagging feeling haunting, causing me to look over my shoulder (metaphorically), making me lose focus on what was in front of me. On the third batch there was peace. I still wasn’t a baker, but with God guiding and talking to me, I baked.
So as we continue in this holiday season and you pick up or make things yourself, remember these lessons. Remember that God isn’t just blessing you with substance for your body, but for your soul too. In some way, He’s trying to speak to you.
Whether it be through lessons as you bake, or just a gentle reminder that He loves you, God is trying to talk to you. God loves you and wants to help you live on more than bread alone. He wants to help you live on an in love if you are willing to listen.
Something Good 