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Ode to Potlucks

It’s no secret, Matt and I love potlucks. We had one at church Sunday, and I really should have taken a picture of the spread. You would have marveled at it, truly. I have to give my friend (you know who you are) a bad time about your fear of potlucks, but it’s only because you put it out there…and therefore, I feel I must always, always give you crap about this. As we were driving home from this most recent potluck, I found myself thinking of all the reasons WHY I love a potluck…and it’s not just the amazing amounts of quality home-cooked food. There’s something so familial about it.

I love helping in the kitchen to get things prepared and set out to serve the congregation. I love the bustling of these ladies, their chit chat, and their laughter. I love watching their hands moving quickly to stir things, and cut things, and shuffle plates of yummy desserts. I think of all the meals those hands have prepared; for their families, for their friends. I think of all the cooking secrets they must know, all the tips and tricks they’ve amassed and passed on to other generations. I think of all the happy smiles their cooking has garnered them over the years. It feels really special, somehow, to be in the kitchen with these ladies.

But it’s not just the women who make me love a potluck. I get a huge kick out of the men. The men who sneak back early to sample the delights…err help set things up. Men, like Matt. They joke and tease each other as their eyes twinkle at the site of all the choices set out before them. I love the shared glances and raised eyebrows as they nod their approval. I love the sound of the voices as they carry up and out of fellowship hall. I love the kids excitedly picking out their favorite dessert and relishing every last bite as they contemplate sneaking another visit to the dessert counter.

At the end of any given potluck, we come away full up. But not just from the food. Our cheeks are rosy and a little sore from the time spent smiling. Our hearts are warm with the love we’ve been shown. To me, a potluck is just a good old fashioned excuse to sit and talk with members of my church family, to get to know them better, to build stronger relationships with them, to remind myself of what it feels like to be a part of this wonderful 2nd family…and truly, it is so wonderful. (Even if there is a large quantity of items containing corn.)

Comments

Emily said…
All the best reasons to attend a potluck are relational, for sure. Heaven knows, if everyone cooked as well as you, there'd be more demand for them!

Have to remind you of the best reasons not to overeat at a potluck, however:
http://confessionsofaclaypot.blogspot.com/2010/02/it-could-cost-me-my-ordination.html
8:57 PM
Matt and Emily said…
I had to re-read your post again...so unfortunate that you guys have such wimpy constitutions!!! We missed you guys though, for sure!
9:29 PM
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