Food is Love
This article began as a conversation with Beth Goering one Sunday morning as we waited for the service to start. She mentioned the issue of MennoExpressions currently in process and the focus of looking back and moving forward. She noted that a prominent element found throughout past issues was content about food and that recipes were commonly included.
This was no surprise to me. Food is essential to all life. But far beyond that, food is so integral to every facet of our lives. Food provides comfort in times of sadness or trouble. Food relieves our stress, enhances our fun and play, and brings us together. Jesus taught us that food is spiritual and connects us to him through the bread and wine of communion. To quote Suella Gerber, “Food is God’s love made edible.”
I have loved cooking and finding new recipes for many years and am always adding new cookbooks to my collection, which numbers just under 100. I heard that Devon Miller had 1000 cookbooks in his collection. One Sunday, I approached him and asked about his collection. He laughed and admitted it might be close but not quite 1000. As we talked, the conversation broadened, and Devon talked about the special events he had planned and hosted during the years he had served as the chair of the Fellowship Committee. He described each event with enthusiasm, and his face took on a glow of joy. It was quite clear to me how much thought and effort he put into making every event very special for the congregation.
In that moment I experienced a powerful memory of my mother. My mother was a fabulous cook, and she also put a great deal of effort into making our extended family Sunday dinners and holiday meals special. She always remembered everyone’s favorite dishes and made sure they were on the table. My mother was a quiet person; she did not hug or say “I love you.” Some people probably thought she was rather cold and remote. But when she cooked and served these special meals to her guests, she had a glow of joy just as Devon did that day. I was well into my 20’s when I had an epiphany during one of those holiday meals, truly like a lightning bolt: this was how my mother expressed her love. Forever afterwards I saw my mother in a somewhat different light.
I have thought for a couple of years that it would be fun to put together a new church cookbook but just never developed sufficient energy around the idea to follow through. However, when Devon passed away, the idea took root that creating a congregation-inspired cookbook in his honor would be a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much through his love of cooking and sharing food. In fact, the gathering of recipes for this new church cookbook is in progress at the time of writing this article.
May we as a congregation continue to find joy and connection with each other through the sharing of food, whether through potlucks, Mealtrain, second Sunday treats, or donations to the Glick Food pantry. May we rediscover old ways of sharing, such as MennoExpressions, and new ways, such as the new church cookbook. But most of all, may we find joy and love together.
About the Author
Lynn Graber
Lynn is a retired RN whose 45-year career spanned a variety of experiences, but her education and practice were predominantly related to mental health. Lynn has attended FMC for 19 years. She and her husband Maurice often enjoy cooking together.
