Attend! Serving Others

This winter and spring, on Instagram, I’ve often been posting our breakfasts — when I’ve cooked. For several weeks, I consistently posted ideas or suggestions, then I stopped.

Because I stopped making breakfast. 

Admittedly it was because I got sick, but I didn’t pick the habit back up when I felt better.

I started back up this week — and am working on lunches, too. Instagram makes for good accountability: to come up with new, appealing ideas and share them. I’m not trying to be all “look at me” rather to force myself to consciously think about serving my children and encouraging my readers to do likewise.

I’m thinking about how I serve my children because over this period of waxing (preparing meals) and waning (not doing so), I’ve noticed some things.

1. Our day goes better on full, nutritiously filled bellies. It just does. An infusion of both protein and carbohydrates in the morning affects all of our attitudes.
2. When I’m bustling about in the kitchen – emptying the dishwasher, cooking, cleaning up – models better than sitting on the couch reading a book or surfing the web.  Showing that I’m serious about getting ready for the day, that I’m prepared to do the work of the day, matters to all of us.
3. My kids feel loved when I make breakfast. Even if it’s just oatmeal. They know I’ve taken time to consider them and their needs.They miss it – and not just the food – when I slack. They’re capable of making breakfast – scrambled eggs, cereal, even oatmeal – on their own, they just like it when I take the time. In Cincinnati, Sarah Mackenzie reminded us to “Always choose your child.” over challenges, difficulties, and our own wants.
4. The whole household runs more smoothly the more often I’m in the kitchen. For me to want to cook breakfast and lunch, the kitchen has to be clean the night before. The pots and pans and knives are washed (and my CiRCE coffee mug). The coffee maker is prepped and set so I get up to brewed coffee (which entices me to get up at 6!) If I’m cooking breakfast and lunch, the dishwasher needs to be run so there’s room for dinner dishes. Our dishwasher can hold a large capacity, but does better with lighter loads. While I’m in the kitchen, the counter and table are cleared more completely. Oh, and I eat meals rather than snacking on whatever I find.
5. My attitude about serving is so much better when I’m in the habit. I’m more satisfied by the job I’m doing as a wife and mother when I’m actually doing the work and not having the children fend for themselves. My children are more encouraged to participate in meals, straightening the house, and the work they need to accomplish when I’m not slacking on my own work. That makes a happier mama.