I always marveled when I watched my grandfather at the helm in the kitchen. An accomplished chef who got his start working in the galley on Navy vessels, his culinary prowess was a sight to behold. He was always so methodical. No matter what recipe he was preparing, he utilized the utmost care when adding ingredients to each dish.
There was one time particularly that I remember. It was Saturday morning breakfast the smell of sausage permeated slowly from the kitchen under the door and into the small bedroom in which I was sleeping. I got up and washed my face and hands and stood right outside the kitchen watching this artisan sitting in front of the stove preparing what was sure to be the best meal of my life.
Just then he called and asked, “Do you want to help?”
I was surprised that he even noticed me.
“Yes!”
I approached him at the stove where he was cracking eggs into a bowl already set out and he asked me to scramble them, which I did; after which he poured them into a hot cast iron skillet. He handed me the salt and said, “Add this to the eggs, not too much, a little bit goes a long way!”
Before I knew it, he turned off the stove, fluffed the eggs, and breakfast was served.
That day my grandfather taught me several things about cooking, but more importantly about life.
Just as my grandfather was a master chef, the same can be said about the divine creator. Regardless of the situation, the “Master Chef” is always at the helm checking and double-checking the recipes of our life. Sometime it may seem as though our lives are off course, we have too much weight on us, or we are too close to the fire. Be aware that God is always aware of our situation and even though we cannot see it, is always working to the glory of the greater divine purpose.
Additionally, I am reminded of a scripture (Matthew 5:13) that refers to us as being salt. It is important for us to keep this in mind, especially when we are dealing with one another. Only the “Master Chef” knows how much salt needs to be added to the recipe to bring the dish to perfection. If we add too little, the dish will be bland and unappealing, whereas too much will make the dish inedible. We should always approach with discernment before “adding our own salt” to a situation. Realizing that we are all still recipes in the making; and truly “a little bit goes a long way.”
• Jason Isaac Worn Cornish is the pastor of Douglas Community United Methodist Church.
