So I closed all the plantation shutters and relished my indoor 68 degree haven. I turned on all the recessed lights, put some Third Day on my iPad and started to create.
I chopped fruit, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, pickles, celery, jalapeño peppers, and chicken. I fried some bacon. I simmered vinegar, horseradish, mustard, butter, Worcester sauce, and ketchup into a heavenly marinade. I mixed heavy cream into a pillowy cloud. I folded fresh strawberries. I boiled eggs and gingerly soaked them in an ice bath. I sipped sweet tea and labeled mason jars. Several hours later I was proud as a peacock.
The greatest legacy my mother left me? Her recipe box. 100 years of Southern recipes from Jane Condrey, my Nana, and my Aunt Mary Pugh ( yes, my brother and I would roll with laughter as kids when we said her name). It was as if God himself knew I was going to need them. And I did. My husband and his sweet southern self ? Well, gourmet food is lost on him.
There are many things that make my husband happy. But there are a few that make his smile light up a room. His family, being outdoors, saltwater, southern food, and well you can figure out the last one ( grown daughters groan out loud "Oh, Dear Gawd, Mama").
Back to my creative process. After putting all of these ingredients together? Wallah, Eastern NC marinated barbecue grilled chicken, mixed vegetable BLT salad, jalapeño pimento cheese, chicken salad, and strawberry ice cream. I had to take a picture of it. So pretty.
It got me thinking. This is just food. But I know how much my husband appreciates it. Loves it. It thrills me to see him so happy. I know what he likes without him having to tell me.
Don't you think it brought God great joy in creating us? He knew us before we were born. He knew what would bring us pleasure. Bring us sorrow. He took the time to create us. To create the beautiful things around us that make us grin from ear to ear. Isn't that awesome?! Doesn't that make you want to stand up and say "Amen!"?
Find your joy. Then give it away. That is what God did for us. He sent His most beloved son Jesus Christ to die to give us life. Can you even wrap your brain around that? Amazing.
"God knows the things you need before you know you need them"-Matthew 6:8
