Am I Just A…?
Does anyone else ever feel like they are stuck in their “stereotype”? Alot of times I feel like I am “just the baker.” While I enjoy being a baker and making others happy, being a part of events and striving to do it with excellence, often times I wonder if I am a part of those things because I am wanted for me or because I just have a service to offer? I feel as if there are so many different ways I can contribute but I often find myself in situations that point to my chosen profession. When I volunteer for things- I find myself in the kitchen. Granted, I often do baking for complete strangers which of course I am hired to do for their events, but when baking for people I know, the lines of friendship versus paying for a service, can get a little murky.
I think this is part of the reason I chose Ephesians 2:10 as my “business verse” because it states how we are all God’s masterpieces, created for purpose. When I think of the word “masterpiece” I don’t think it is supposed to be simple and point to one gift or aspect. It takes into account the whole- all the little facets and unique gifts that make up the person.
I can see it this way in all the little steps that can make up one baked good. For example, the Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake). What a lot of people wouldn’t guess is that this particular treat can take approximately 8-10 hours to make-The cake must be mixed, baked, rolled, cooled, unrolled to fill with cream, re-rolled, refrigerated, cut to design, topped with ganache buttercream, the meringue mushrooms are formed and set, the cranberries and rosemary are soaked in simple syrup, dried and sugared. It is a delicate process and each step must be completed in order. It all comes together in a beautiful way to make this classic Christmas dessert. It has lots of facets and surprises and comes out slightly different each time but still holds so much for those who gather to enjoy it.
That can happen with us, right? We see the basic picture- (in this case a beautiful tasty dessert to be consumed) but don’t realize all the things going on with it to make it what it is. That happens a lot with us as human beings- we identify or become identified by our occupation or the gifts we have that are always on display. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t want to be identified as “the baker.” I want to be wanted for who I am as a person. I think we would all say that and desire to be really seen for all our wonderful facets. We are all truly a masterpiece created for a purpose- sometimes that purpose is fulfilled through our professions and sometimes it is through the facets of us that aren’t always seen below the surface but are still vital for who we are and how we serve and influence those around us. Here’s to a 2026 of recognizing in each other the hidden talents and facets that often go unnoticed and praying with each other to step out and use some of our gifts that don’t always get utilized.
Tis The Season…
One of my favorite holiday movies is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” In the movie, one of the main characters says pretty early on, “I can’t wait for Christmas to be over.” Later, one of the other characters says
“but you're doing Christmas all wrong.
Do you remember when you were a kid
and you waited for it all year?
And it wasn't just the presents.
It was the fact that...I don't know,
everyone just seemed a little...nicer.
All those silly little traditions
that meant so much.
Now everyone just blows it
out of proportion,
gets all stressed out and angry.
Every year I hear someone say,
"I can't wait for Christmas to be over."
For me, the saddest day of the year
is December 26th.”
Not to sound cliche, but isn’t it supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? For me, the magic of Christmas has always been celebrated and important in my family. My mom has always had a way of making the ordinary special, so Christmas was always “extra-ordinary”. Even if we went away for Christmas, the magic came with us. It wasn’t about the decorations, the presents, or the “stuff”. It was about the feelings surrounding the traditions and feelings of “home.”
Recently in a book club discussion, the question (paraphrased) “Can you ever really go home again?” was asked in the discussion questions. Part of me held immense sadness at that question because I often find myself longing for “home”- my husband and I feel as if a home of our own is out of reach with the current state of the economy and our finances, home the way I knew it as a child isn’t the same as family members have passed away and my parents have moved from my childhood home… however, the question also brings joy as I fondly remember the feelings surrounding home and the beautiful memories come flooding back to me- a lot of them happening at Christmastime. “Home” really isn’t a place, is it? It’s a feeling- of belonging, of warmth, of safety and joy.
Many of my favorite Christmas memories are around food and the joy spent baking with my grandmother and my mom growing up, then more beautiful memories during my time at Williams Sonoma bringing joy to customers/children as I taught them classes or baked for sampling during the holiday rush and being a part of a Team , and most recently during the crazy two years running store of my own and working hard to bring Christmas joy to others’ homes through my baked treats.
It was a rewarding, exhausting season- I found myself longing for the simpler times when Christmas was peaceful and magical through my childhood eyes. When I wasn’t rushing around with to do list a mile long. This year, my prayer is to return to the days where Christmas was magical and cozy- to restore some peace to my life, be more intentional, be present and focused on family, friends, and the joy received through my relationship with Jesus. I encourage you to join me in restoring peace, joy (and a little bit of the child like wonder) to the Christmas season.
Luke 2:10-11 “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, wo is Christ the Lord.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Praying for your Christmas season to be blessed, Sweet Friends!