My mother-in-law gave me a gift one year that I have sitting on my kitchen counter. She is surely a “wise” woman, sharing her advice and prayer with me, the next generation. Just as she said this prayer to help get her through many a day of hardships and tears, so do I. I hope you find some strength in it too.

Lord of all pots and pans and things,
since I’ve not time to be a saint
by doing lovely things
or watching late with thee – – – –
or dreaming in the dawn light,
or storming Heaven’s gates,
Make me a saint, by getting meals
and washing up the plates.

Warm all my kitchen with thy love,
and light it with thy peace,
forgive me all my worrying,
and make my grumbling cease.
Thou, who didst love to give men food
in room, or by the sea,
Accept this service that I do –
I do it unto Thee.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Galatians 5:13

“So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless.”
1 Corinthians 15:58

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45

Food for thought: I found this article:
Cooking for others is nurturing, it is sustenance, it is helping keep them alive. “If you’re cooking for someone, even if they’re not present during the act, it can absolutely bring a sense of closeness in that you’re expressing your love and your care for someone,” shared Matthew Riccio.
“It’s a very intimate activity. And providing them with something that they potentially need, you’re really showing them that they have your support, your love, your backing, and that’s the kind of thing that really, really promotes well being, positive growth and closeness within relationships,” elaborated Riccio.

Fun facts:
28 Fun and Interesting Kitchen Facts and Tips

Photo by: Karli Wiseman – A Kitchen in Haiti