IN UNISON◽ MARRIAGE
My dad, an Irishman, fell in love with my mom, a South African.
One of their strongest connections was her home cooking.
They often agreed it helped convince him that she was a keeper.
He happily spent his days enjoying her home cooked meals.
Cooking enriched my parents’ marriage, and I am grateful that it is enriching mine.
I learned to cook from my mom and carried some of her favorite meal ideas into my own marriage.
Over the years, I’ve added my own touches of inspiration.
Chris has always enjoyed my home-cooked meals.
He always clears his plate. Whenever I ask him, “Did you enjoy it?” he simply says, “Do you not see my plate?” We both smile.
What’s in the oven? What’s on the stove? What’s in the crockpot…
He has always appreciated coming home to the warm aroma of spices.
I know he honors the ordinary consistency of me cooking for him.
His gratitude makes me feel loved and valued, while my cooking helps him feel cared for in return.
For Chris’s Birthday last year, we dined at Gen Korean BBQ House.
I was his chef, grilling our selections on the built-in tabletop grill.
Since it was our first time, the server said, let him know if we needed help cooking.
With the tongs already in my hands, I knew I had it covered!
At dinner, I cooked shrimp, beef, calamari, and pork, served with a variety of sauces.
Although I had never cooked shrimp or calamari before, both turned out well.
In the dim, romantic lighting, our conversation lingered, socially and interactively.
It was memorable and we agreed we would gladly return so I could cook for us there again!
I’m not always the cook, Chris backyard barbecues.
He gladly & skillfully handles the tongs and spatula.
He grills a variety of meats, smokes briskets & ribs, while enjoying every step of the process.
I love sitting at his side; we talk, then I join in to make the side dishes!
That said, we find that cooking expresses our love and care for one another.
It shows thoughtfulness through time and effort.
Plus, creates moments of nurture and affection.
Do you think cooking with love is a meaningful way to strengthen your marriage?
Keep stirring the pot! —It’s one of the best ways to invite love into marriage!