COOKING LESS

On Mother's Day, I read sections of two books that really made me think.  The first book was How Do You Tuck in a Superhero? by Rachel Balducci.  The second book was Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine.

These books really made me think.  You see, cooking is not my strong point.  I am great at getting organized, creating schedules, multitasking, corresponding, and planning.   I am not great at cooking, hosting parties, researching recipes, and trying new foods.

Both of the books I referenced above describe similar situations.  Rachel Balducci talks about how her family of 5 boys would just love it when she would re-stock the pantry and have plenty of ready-to-go food on hand.  She said she had to stop worrying about her boys eating processed food.  Cooking elaborate meals was not her strength or what her family wanted or needed.

Crystal Paine said cooking, planning parties, fashion, and decorating were not her talents.  She used to compare herself to other moms who excelled in these areas, and she thought she just needed to try harder or spend more time learning these tasks.  However, she soon realized that she didn't need to spend extra hours trying to master these skills.  Instead, she should focus on the skills that came naturally to her and that she enjoyed doing---things like marketing, running a business, and homeschooling.  On page 30, she says:

"Instead of beating myself up over what I can't do, I'm learning to appreciate, focus on, and exercise those areas where I have natural abilities.  And I have found much joy in being who God has created me to be, not in trying to be someone else.  This has helped me spend my time more efficiently, with purpose, and in areas that best benefit my family and me."

So, for me, I am slowly coming to realize that cooking has caused a lot of stress in my life.  I agonize about a menu plan for the upcoming week.  I cringe when I see that 5:00 is approaching and I have to start cooking dinner.  If, however, I have something planned that is a tried-and-true meal, easy to make, and not an involved recipe, I am much more relaxed in the afternoon and much more patient with my kids.   I don't dread dinner time when I know I have a quick, easy meal to make.  Plus, we usually have more time to sit around the table together because I haven't spent so much of our family time in the kitchen.

I have decided to think differently about my meal planning from now on.  I won't try any new recipes on week nights.  I won't stress about repeating a meal from the prior week.  What I want is more time around the dinner table as a family.  I think my kids want time with me more than a fancy meal.  I am going to try to give my kids healthy foods, but just simpler ones---cut up fruit and easy steamed veggies go great with any main course.  Breakfast for dinner is just fine.  I feel better already now that I am going to just accept this about myself.  Thank you, Rachel and Crystal!  Now, I will probably create an organized binder of all my simple, weeknight meals.   :)