What is truly important? The family is, because it is the basic unit of society. What goes on there on a daily basis is the most important thing in the world. The family home is our place of security, love, and caring. It is a haven in time of trouble and it is a place of rest for both adults and children.
The heart of the family home is the kitchen. This is where wonderful childhood memories are made and where everyone in the family draws sustenance, both physically and emotionally. A sweet poem by Lillian Burns Hudson makes the point:
Childhood's Day
How I remember Saturday's
In the days long gone by,
When Mother in the kitchen
Was baking bread and pie.
How anxiously I waited
For the bread and pie to bake,
Then Mother took a mixing bowl
And began the chocolate cake.
She beat the eggs and sugar well
And added other things,
Then with a big spoon stirred it
Till the batter stood in rings.
The batter looked delicious
As she placed it in the pan,
Then set the bowl on the table....
That's when our fun began.
I remember as though 'twere yesterday
How my mother, gentle soul,
Would smile and look at me and say,
"Now you can lick the bowl."
How can such ordinary things as making a home or baking a special cake, be the most important things in the world?
First, I will take myself as an example. I was born in 1942 - probably the worst year in history. Living through the last half of the twentieth century there were wars, more wars, civil unrest and cultural revolution. But what affected me most was the kindliness of grandmothers, aunts, and great-aunts and the home that my parents made. I remember the 'auras' of their homes, and all of their kitchens in great detail. I remember all the special treats made just for me; all the special ways they took to show their love. What are wars and revolution in the face of love?
Second, think about places where love is not shown, where no one cares, no one ever takes the time to do anything special for anyone. It is a very sad situation - and no resolution of border wars or the cooling down of world 'hotspots' will do anything to make the people in these situations feel better or more secure.
Third, making a home and providing meals are like threads in a tapestry - the very fabric of our civilization. And when it is done with love, the recipients are likely to carry the work of love into their own lives.