I enjoy watching my brother bake. Admittedly I get into the process because of my experience with the results. It fun to indulge in the results of his baking! It is artistry come to life. The outcome is amazing breads, fantastic cinnamon rolls, and moist cakes. In the watching process, I have come to accept that once something goes into the oven, it is not going to change. Its destiny is directionally set. While there are small variations, the outcome at this point is a matter of time and temperature. The ingredients, how things were mixed, and other factors have set the stage. The oven comes in last to play an important role. However, that role has its boundaries.
As I think of his coffee cake, wishing I had some now, I realize that life is trying to remind me of more than just the wonderful experiences I have enjoyed while consuming his handiwork. Too often, I go mix actions of kindness with portions of greed and selfishness. I carelessly let it all come together. As I live out my actions in the chaos and uncertainty of life, I realize that my plans and actions are not going to bring the results I hoped for. I keep hoping for something different. I even join others in trying to change what has already been done. David noted our futile moves. “They cried ‘uncle’ but Uncle didn’t come; they yelled for God and got no for an answer.” (Psalm 18.41)
Sometimes the swirls on the coffee cake come out in unexpected patterns. My brother’s response is to analyze and learn what happened from his actions in preparing the dish. Once finished, he lets go and enjoys the dish for what it is. If it is beyond eating, a fun joke and a toss in the trash follows.
I am richer and heavier for his baking. I know Life is more than baked goods. Yet I learn much, enjoy much, and want much because of what he has done. I hope someone somewhere is enjoying his baking; I do.
