Baking Bread

I completed a 30's list goal -- learning to make bread from scratch. I received my first lesson today from my mom. We took the afternoon and made Honey Whole Wheat Bread. It wasn't as difficult as I had anticipated, and the kneading was quite a stress reliever. After the baking process, my father had the job of taste testing the first piece. Six more pieces later, he gave his seal of approval. I then assigned the remaing two mini-loaves to close family critics. Judy was one critic. (Lifelong neighbor and family friend) She was surprised when she opened the door to see us standing there, bread bag in hand. We had a short but nice visit with here and later found out the bread met her tastebud's approval -- to the point of suggesting selling it.

Critics #2 were Jim and Patti K. (Amazing uncle and aunt and next-door neighbors) They were the next to be met by me with bread bag in hand. They, as well, enjoyed the bread and indulged in a few pieces during my visit. I always love visiting them. I had a nice day filled with affirmations and communication.

My end of the day realizations are: First, I fulfilled a goal and discovered another aspect of the kitchen I thoroughly enjoy. Second, this simple task created a way for me to spend time and give to five people I love dearly. There are so many times I feel a need to "fight for a cause", to "make a difference in this world", but I realize I did those things by simply making bread. One simple act opened the door to showing love, giving, and communicating. No, I was not protesting with a large crowd. I was not composing arguments for a certain cause or group. I wasn't even trying to "win lost souls." Yet I know God used me today, and His work was done. I wrote a blog entry sometime ago encouraged that faith and hope were becoming active in my life again, and I eagerly anticipated the coming of love. Well, I think love has arrived, and of all ways to appear, in the form of baking bread.