Kitchen Komfort

Proverbs 31:15: "She riseth also while it is yet night and giveth meat to her household."

Kitchen: a gathering place for family and friends. A place where memories are homemade and seasoned with love.

My kitchen is the place where I invest alot of time, energy and money.  I identify with the Proverbs 31 woman. She apparently did the same. There is a whole lot more to it than just opening the frig, the pantry, or having a microwave.

The kitchen has always been a gathering place. Even when people lived in tents, the outside fire for cooking was the point of interest. During pioneer days, the hearth was the centerpiece of the cabin. Eventually, the kitchen evolved into a place where you invested the most money if you were building a home.

My family indulged me years ago when we travelled in an RV. I insisted on my tiny box of table decor to be packed. When we settled in,  the first thing I did was to unpack a plaque, some flowers and some placemats!  I I had to have my "homey" feeling with the boxed meals! And we still ate on paper plates as a family!

Later, we travelled, using hotels suites for long term lodging. Always packed was a wreath for the door, classical music, and a candle. The first thing I purchased was fresh flowers! That complimented the crock pot dinners that I cooked in the tiny  kitchens! Gathered around those impossibly small tables still invoke funny but great memories!

My son works with a kitchen designer. I have toured some of these  "state of the art" kitchens. It is overwhelming at the genius and expense that is invested into these beautiful kitchens. Though very little time is spent in them, there is a desire within all to have some comfort and satisfaction eminating from the kitchen.

Department stores designate a good bit of floor space to kitchen wares.  The appliance section of the store is stuffed with handy kitchen gadgets. The mall now  has high end kitchen stores. There are numerous, popular cooking shows that can be accessed.

We are a society consumed with our appetite. We have glamourized the kitchen into a place where food is overexagerated and overindulged.  Yet something is still missing in the picture.  A beautiful kitchen, a well stocked pantry and refrigerator: it should be the perfect combination. But it's often minus  the most important factor: the family unit.The modern family lives on the run. There is very little bonding and togetherness.  I personally believe there is a desire in all of us for satisfaction and fulfillment to be derived from food shared with family and friends. The satisfaction comes not only from our appetites being sated but from the warm atmosphere of being surrounded by those we love. This all happens around the table.

You cannot get this from "eating out".  That should be a treat. The home kitchen should still be the hub of the home. It should be a source of healthy satisfaction with food, company and conversation.

A table sufficient for all family members needs to be a priority. Most of the time, family has designated seating.  A scheduled meal time is very important. Statistics prove that the family unit is much stronger when all are present at mealtime. Try to do this at least once a day. Another good thing: even a family face to face for 10 morning minutes is positive. A prayer offered over a simple breakfast can bring a sense of connection into a home. It's also the duty of the mom to insure that the husband and children have nutritious lunches prepared if needed.

I'm a mom. I know the responsibility of the home is a big weight on our shoulders. That's why our priority, when we are raising a family, should be about the home. I also know all the shortcuts available out there. I just want to say: there is no replacement for a healthy, attractive and fulfilling environment in your kitchen that is created by time and effort.

I realize we don't spend the long hours in the kitchen that our grandmothers did. That's not necessary. The beauty of our kitchen is much easier created now than in those early days. If you don't do "homemade", there is a pie crust or biscuit out there to help you out. There are innumerable 30 minute recipes available that are delicious and nourishing. If you don't consider yourself creative in setting a table,  visit Walmart. Pick a simple centerpiece and some serviceable placemats that will enhance your table. If you service an all male household,  add enough flair to make meals an " occasion". Insist on proper table manners. Set a table as much as possible. Always use napkins.  Use attractive and appropriate dinnerware and glassware.  Require all to be present.  Say a meaningful prayer.  There you have it.  Security. Found at the kitchen table.

All this cannot be done without forethought.  A certain degree of planning has to be done.  Menu planning can be done by the day, week or month.The important thing is that your kitchen is clean, organized, attractive and stocked.  The thing to avoid is obvious. Chaos in the kitchen.  This invites a lack of harmony in the home. Positive vibes coming from the kitchen are security.Thats why the "cookie jar" is a forever childhood memory.  Thats why family recipes are treasured. That's why even doing dishes can be a positive flashback.

Keep it up Moms! I know planning menus, shopping thriftily and then putting it all together gets to be wearisome.  Keeping the food healthy and filling and doing this on a budget seems impossible.  It seems like keeping your kitchen organized is a work of art.  And who has the time?!  I did  volunteer work at the Christian school where my children attended when they  were at home. It was an effort to be a homemaker as well. Here's where I found that training the children was necessary. They lightened the load considerably with kitchen duty.

The effort is worth it! When I hear my children reminisce about our family dinners, especially the Sunday table settings, I am warmed! I put a lot of time into making memories around the kitchen table. I dont regret a minute of it.

Today,  I am privileged to still do some larger scale cooking and planning.  I enjoy it when I do.  But my husband and I find ourselves often sitting at a table for two. It's still fulfilling. One small table, two colorful napkins, the glow of a candle.  It's the perfect setting after a hectic day. It speaks calmness and invites conversation.  We feel secure and we are filled!