It was one of those days. Oh, not one of those days that I usually complain about, but the kind that seem to be much more elusive. A day that was full and busy yet strangely peaceful and entirely enjoyable. I had a plan and lots to do and normally I approach those days with an over-complicated list and an expectation of perfection. My nature is to map it all out with the end goal being production not fun. But not yesterday.
I decided to invite her to stay and help me with the new recipe I had in mind. She graciously accepted my invitation and after a quick lunch of mac and cheese and frozen chicken-somethings that neither of us liked, we began. We measured and mixed and microwaved. We stirred and patted and rolled and had more than a few tastes along the way. We spread and poured and sifted until it looked as if a snow storm had blown through the kitchen.
I watched her concentrate as she placed single blueberries in just the right spot. I watched the movement of her hands as she lay apple slices on the pastry dough and carefully rolled it into a flower. I watched her delight as we took our apple roses from the oven and they were just as beautiful as the picture in the video recipe. I looked at her little face with blueberry juice smeared on her forehead and sugar powdering her cheeks and experienced a depth of love and height of joy that perhaps only a grandmother knows.
My trek to the coffee pot this morning found me walking a little funny as my feet experienced the stickiness of spilled apricot preserves that remained after a rapid attempt to wipe them up. The adhesive nature of my steps lasted only a few seconds as they were then quickly coated with the flour and powdered sugar that easily blended with the color of the tile. I hate walking barefoot on dirty floors, but rather than let annoyance take over and begin the process of cleaning, I put on my slippers, fixed my coffee and replayed the previous day in my mind. The evening was very, very good with Chandra Peele as our speaker. I encourage you to check out her website Chandra Peele and invite her to your next ladies event! But I’m sorry, Chandra, as much as I truly enjoyed and appreciated your wonderful message, it wasn’t the best part of my day. The best part was that in all the “work” we had to do that afternoon, I got to enjoy my granddaughter.
I have a lot to do today. A lot to do this week. And I’m already behind schedule. But rather than take on the pressure of my own very-often-unrealistic expectations, I want to enjoy His presence in everything I do, confident that He is with me to help with anything I need and unafraid of making mistakes. I may make a few messes along the way, but I can’t worry about that. He invites me to enjoy Him and it is in this relaxed trust that I am more able to hear Him and follow where He leads rather than go my own way.
Making apple roses was much easier than I expected and most certainly more fun. But it wouldn’t have been as much fun if I had been alone. What do you have to do this week? Remember, you are not alone. Allow yourself to be loved deeply and don’t worry about making mistakes. Be confident that it is in this trust that He will speak and lead. Relax, refocus, and enjoy Him and understand that He is watching and enjoying you.
Photographs by Kay Stinnett and cannot be used without permission.