Cold Weather Makes Me Hungry

Fall, you are invited to come by anytime. 

Last night, shoulder to shoulder, our book club gathering closed in to form a circle to bless the meal we were about to enjoy.

Everyone bowed their heads, but, last night, I couldn’t find it in me to close me eyes and miss this moment.

In her aroma-filled kitchen, Adrianne prayed words expressing love and thankfulness for the women and food and families represented. Meanwhile, I looked around the tight-knit space and marveled at each dear friend. Profoundly, I felt the love and gratitude Adrianne was offering in prayer.

Now, as I remember those few precious seconds I took to notice each woman – beautiful, strong, and honest —  the song comes to mind, “I Stand Amazed.” O how marvelous! O how wonderful ! And my song shall ever be: O how marvelous! O how wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me!

After the Amen, we turned toward the dining room to see the table prettily set, the plates carefully arranged, and the broken crusty bread waiting, wedged between two simple centerpieces.  Besides already having munched on some sweet-potato-bacon amazingness and having nibbled on creamy guacamole for appetizers, we all had been sipping on wine brought home from the Fredericksburg wine country.  So, when I found myself seated in front of a spinach-mandarin orange salad topped with herb crusted goat cheese and homemade vinagarette, you might imagine my appreciation in that moment.  I was thankful for the color.  I was thankful for the elegance.  But even more, I was thankful that I had come hungry.

Which isn’t really a surprising feeling for this time of year.  After sun-kissed summers and popsicles and one too many hot dogs off the grill, I am realizing the cadence of Fall changes my priorities. I want to be in the kitchen more, and I think I know why.  It’s a simple truth. Cold weather makes me hungry.

The cooler weather that graces Texas in late October invites children to run with abandon outdoors, motivates families to linger a little longer around the campfire, and stirs an increased hunger in our bellies.  At least it does in mine.  My senses awaken at the whiff of Crock Pot concoctions that have been stewing since morning. The gusto that accompanies warm fudgy brownie desserts and hot chocolate child-excitement compels me to slow down and enjoy each warm nibble and sip. And the aroma of fall soups… Well, they have me at Hello.

Last night, the main course was creamy vegetable soup. Smooth and savory, I anticipated each spoon-filled bite. Our hostess had been working on it off and on since the evening before, and what can I say? Divine! Delectable! Delish! It was all I could do to stay in my seat and remain in the present moment and Enjoy!

The following goes without saying in many of our Christian communities, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t write it down for my own need to remember and believe.  Coming hungry to a feast is such a beautiful picture of how the Lord longs to meet us in our need.   We come hungry, and there is His feast of goodness, love, and mercy waiting.

And that is why celebration so seamlessly takes place at His table, our tables.

In celebrating how wonderful it is to enjoy good food for these meant-to-be-hungry bodies, will you please share a link to one of your favorite Fall recipes in the comment box? While I’m figuring out how to post Adrianne’s soup recipe, I’ll go ahead and comment below with something yummy!

Looking forward to sharing over 100+ recipes here to delight in and gush over!