How to Change Making Meals from a Chore to a Blessing

Plus a sneak peek into what's next at the Contented Table

Learn how a little-used kitchen linen can turn this time-consuming chore into a blessing.

It’s hard to close my apron drawer. You too?

But to be honest, it mostly stays closed though. I’ll pull one out if it’s a messy job. And a festive Christmas apron, given to me by a dear friend from afar, wraps me in her friendship every time I tie the bow in the back. But a post about aprons that someone shared with me a while ago, opened my eyes to what I’ve missed over the years:

I’ve replaced an apron with oven mitts to hold love found in a hot dish.

I’ve chosen mindfulness of germs instead of the warmth in my apron to wipe away tears that looked up at me for reassurance.

I’ve not put on my ‘uniform’ to ready myself when I enter the holy place of serving my family in my kitchen.

What if the simple act of putting on an apron would remind us of the nourishment that comes from provision?

The Hand that provides our food carries a promise. He will provide all our needs (see Philippians 4:19).

A new routine could cause a pause to be intentional:

As you put on your apron to prepare a meal,

Prepare your heart to serve those you cherish the most.

And is a reminder that:

You are His hands and feet right there in your kitchen.

His provision becomes your preparation.

Becomes the nurturing that flows through the hands that prepare it.

A conduit of His care and His love.

What if you saw making a meal for your family as a Holy offering of thanks to the Giver and to whom we give?

Not a chore but a privilege?

Not a time stealer but an act of blessing?

Don’t you feel some days that you wish you had more time to give more of yourself to those you love? But sigh at the thought, and carry on to the next task. Me too.

Maybe what you are already doing really can be a labor of love rather than an obligation.

And all that changes is you and me. Bringing a bit of Peace to the table.

Got an apron stuffed in the back of a drawer somewhere?

Pull it out and put it on wrinkled.

You are getting dressed to bless. As you tie it snug, pray for those to whom you prepare for. Prepare with. The food and the task aren’t changing. But the aroma in which your meal is placed on the table, may just be the new ingredient you need.

Because as you give what has been given to you, the blessing reciprocates. And you release your family to carry the torch and ignite another.

I pulled out a vintage gingham apron today. It had been squished in the back of the drawer, hidden. Its value, revalued. A legacy of a grandma’s stitching and giving passed forward to me. Each stain represents a gift to a recipient. And is an inspiration to create a legacy of stains myself.

What are your cherished apron memories?
Share with us in the comments below. Or share a picture of your beloved apron and inspire the rest of us to put on our uniform.

Proudly wear your wrinkled and stained aprons. Knowing in the act of preparing the provision, is a promise to nourish body and soul, including your own.

This was a favorite post rewritten from the archive to allow time for this new project:

Gathering Peace: 10 Ways to Transform Mealtime into Moments of Rest and Connection

This will be my first book and you are invited to come along for the journey from beginning to binding.

You see, this is being written for you.

Your input is essential to ensure that what arrives in your inbox is what you want to read. Gathering Peace will come to you chapter by chapter. What resonates with you will determine what is in the final book.

And those of you who join the Gathering Peace Insiders’ Table will receive the final book for free. Plus have a whole lotta fun along the way. Even a chance that one of your food memories will be included in the book!

Look for more details in upcoming newsletters, but the table is set and the meal is being prepped.

I’m looking forward to pulling up a chair with you so I can help you Gather Peace, and transform mealtime into moments of rest and connection.

Thank you for taking a seat at the Contented Table. Bring a friend next time. There is always room for one more.

Until then,

A gentle reminder,

God wants you to know:

I see you, I hear you, I love you.

Jane