Beef Stroganoff. That was my meal of choice for my birthday for 26 years. And for 26 years—whenever we were together for my birthday—that is what my mom would make me. And it was no ordinary stroganoff! Kimi’s Beef Strogy had special noodles and a specific brand of sour cream. It was a labor of love, and man, was it delicious.
My mom was always generous and had presents for me every birthday, but I can’t remember what they were. I can, however, remember the meal. I remember the bowl she served it in and how loved I felt. And I was not the only one she did this for. She cooked/baked her way into countless hearts. She remembered everyone’s favorite meal or cookie and would have it ready for them on the next visit.
Another thing I learned from my mom: Give the gift you got. As the song goes, a little drummer boy went to meet baby Jesus—the Infant Master of the Universe. The drummer boy showed up on the scene and he played his drum. He brought the gift that he had — his gift was drumming so he drummed.
One of my mom’s many gifts was cooking and she brought her gift regularly. And at the end of the day, when I look back at all the gifts she gave me, the one that stands out the most is her gift of cooking. She brought her gift, I received it, and it is still a blessing to me.
What simple gift do you have? Bring your unique and special gift where ever you go to whomever you encounter.