The unfulfilled promise of pumpkin bars beckoned (and frankly tormented) me as I drove by our girl's old school each day and wandered grocery store aisles seeking Libbie's Pure Pumpkin in season amidst the trance of weekly shopping. Finally, our girl and I broke from our routine to break eggs, stir batter, lick bowls and seal our commitment with sugary, sweet cream cheese frosting. We delivered the pumpkin bars, heads high, smiles on our faces, spoiling the unconditional moment with only a small request that Ms. Ree please return our 9 x 13 pan.
Lingering or compelling tugs at one's soul speak volumes to more than, in this case, pumpkin bars - though they surely stick to one’s ribs and tastebuds! The pumpkin bars fed my appetite for honoring my word, making someone's day, being grateful and teaching our daughter to be thoughtful – the intangible ingredients of this effort and values I hold dearly. Maybe, Ms. Ree’s faith in humanity was also restored bite by bite. Or, maybe, she just enjoyed some damn good cake!
So why did it take a year? Life gets in the way, and, it is easier to put out fires than gather wood, position kindling just right and build a warm, sustainable fire ripe for toasting marshmallows and toes. It’s easier to be dazed than deliberate; fleeting than focused; depleted by constant demands than full on what really matters or literally "takes the cake."
I've since bought several cans of Libbie's Pure Pumpkin to keep within reach in my cabinets and in the forefront of my busy life. While they will surely get buried behind boxes of rice, macaroni and the daily grind, they are within my grasp to help me focus on what's important and create sweetness in life when the opportunity arises. Pumpkin bars, anyone?
- What small efforts can you take to feed your soul?
- What values might they help you honor in your life?
- What gets in your way of doing them?
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