A lesson worth remembering.
Write about your most epic baking or cooking fail.
NOSTALGIC LESSONS
A SITTER’S TWIT
I snapped this photo in the supermarket the moment I remembered this prompt sitting in my drafts. I chuckled reflecting on my first attempt making Kraft macaroni and cheese at nine years old. Since I saw this dish made many times, I felt confident that I was up to the task.
I filled a small pot with water and excitement. When it came to a boil, I added the macaroni noodles and waited for it to get tender. At this point, I began to follow my thoughts and memories instead of the instructions on the box. I drained the macaroni water, placed the freshly boiled noodles on the stove and emptied the powdered cheese packet into the pot with a tablespoon of butter.
Mid way into my cooking extravaganza, my babysitter tried to step in to help but I refused her with a little attitude and continued on my own. I stirred and stirred and watched my freshly cooked pasta clump into a bright orange, inedible mess. I knew something was off. It didn’t look like my mom’s Kraft macaroni and cheese. I continued stirring but to no avail, it didn’t turn out the way I hoped or planned.
LA LECHE
I missed an essential step to properly and evenly mix the dish. To achieve the creamy consistency necessary to spread the powdered cheese and coat the noodles— I needed milk. When I realized I messed up, I didn’t ask my babysitter for help to fix it — especially because I just got a little sassy with her. I concluded in my own mind, the dish couldn’t be fixed. I still ate the powdery, lumpy mac & cheese considering the memory of Jamaican patios that translates to, “we don’t waste food in this house”. The thought of being reprimanded for discarding it was scarier than the botched dish itself.
FACTS & TRUTH
My nine year old version of Kraft macaroni and cheese tasted awful, but it didn’t have to. I’m not sure what caused me to ignore the instructions on the box. The recipe was right in my face. Perhaps, it was the excitement of the preparation process. Maybe it was the caretaking independence I learned early on. Either way, my young silly mind chose it.
In the end, my babysitter was right. I didn’t consider that she had more experience cooking. Perhaps, she may have made the dish before. My nine year old self rejected her assistance because I thought I could do it on my own. Since I cooked other meals that turned out well, I concluded this experience would be the same.
DON’T LET OLD WAYS AFFECT THE PRESENT DAY
To keep it a buck, “nine year old me” got in the way of “grown year old me” on many occasions. God is still gracious, merciful and very present help. The truth is, I could have accomplished the task successfully by following the directions laid out for me by the manufacturer. An essential part of this story is that additional help was also within reach. As I continued to write, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying, “ He who has ears to hear, let him hear”. I fo’ sho’ needed to hear, see and consider.
GOOD QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
This prompt encouraged me to propose two specific questions to myself and to whomever finds this post:
1. Is fear, pride or self-reliance in the way of receiving necessary assistance ?
2. Is there an accessible blueprint of instructions awaiting us?
WISDOM PENS AGAIN
Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” James 4:6 shares, “ But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
May God grace us with the wisdom to make healthy choices for exactly where we are today. May we forgive all past offenses or mistakes that prevent us from trusting the assistance or instructions God sends. May we learn our capabilities and capacity to know where help, knowledge or understanding is necessary. In Jesus name, Amen.
- Read and follow instructions for the best outcome. Proverbs 1:7
- It’s ok to admit that you’re wrong or made a mistake. At the end of the day, YOU eat the meal.
- Never allow shame or fear to stop you from achieving success in anything.
SOURCE REFERENCES
Proverbs 1:7, James 4:6, Proverbs 11:14, Mark 4:9 , Mark 4 Biblegateway.com.
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