Notes from a Sojourn
April 16, 2020
Traditional Practices
Yesterday, my family and I baked bread for the first time in quite a while. It is a simple task, but it is surprisingly fulfilling. There is something rewarding about kneading dough, facilitating its rising, and baking it that goes beyond the simple gratification of enjoying the food product itself.
Traditional food preparation takes time. But taking the extra time to pursue a simple task is a modern luxury for most of us. Our bread took about three to four hours to make, a time commitment that would not be possible on a typical day during our family's usual work and school schedule.
Baking bread is an ancient, almost universal human experience. Throughout history and in most cultures, people have been making bread. And of course, there are many different recipes! I find that baking break in my own kitchen connects me to something bigger than myself. It connects me to the work of those who have gone before me in a way that uses all of my senses. It is a great activity for inter-generational households to do together!
As we celebrate the season of Easter together, are there traditional practices that help us encounter a spirituality that is greater than our own individual lives? What could it mean for us and for our homes if we took a little bit of time to re-encounter some of those spiritual practices in our homes this season?
What do you think?
Patrick+
