Church kitchens are so much larger then the average at home kitchen. I couldn’t figure out where most things were and I had this awful feeling that I would be of no use to them. THEY were ladies from my church, part of the Women’s Ministry Team, who had obviously been in this kitchen many times before, working together. Their cheerful and contagious banter soon eased my nerves. Belly laughs and warm smiles were everywhere around me as they busied themselves with the brunch preparations. I adored being welcomed in to their group, such servants hearts and such amazing ladies!
In many ways it was a familiar image, though not something I had had the blessing of being part of for years. I had seen such happy women before, as a child, I watched them bustle around our small chapel with the same enthusiasm and dedication to community. As I look back, my memories of these women working together is to me a picture of stability. It just all seemed like something one could take for granted, this womanly team effort, and I believe I did until I grew up and saw the decline of Women’s Ministry in some communities I have been part of.
I hoped and desired to be part of a striving women’s team for years now. My warm child hood recollections kept me from longing unaware…THIS was the kind of thing I wanted to introduce my girls to, women who love to work with other women, to bless even more women. It inspired the girls as it had me; and both insisted they needed to help. My eldest went off to devote her time to helping with the childcare of younger ones then herself. My six year old found her corner of the kitchen and worked tirelessly to help us put the clean dishes away properly. I really felt like my mama heart was going to burst, with thanks to the ladies for letting my girls and I participate, and with love at seeing my daughters enjoy helping!
The brunch was a ladies event specifically focused on community, and I felt like I personally got the best opportunity to practice and enjoy that very concept that day, what a privilege!
TTFN
To leave your daughters out of the many things we do in this life and only include them in “children’s” events not only short changes them but in the long run a mother short changes herself. Her older daughters will be more likely to leave her out of their lives and that of the grandchildren later on, thinking she would not be interested in life’s little but so special events. Love you. MOM