Sunday, August 18, 2013

In 2009, I met someone who became one of the best friends I've ever had. Somehow, we developed this tradition of having dinner together once a week. We took turns cooking--I made the meal one week and he made it the next. I think I can safely say that dinner with this friend was the highlight of my week for quite some time. I spent days planning a really special menu--always just a little over the top, especially since it was just the two of us and no body was trying to impress anyone. I think those weekly dinners helped me to realize that I love to host dinners. I love inviting friends over for a really special dinner. It gives me an opportunity to share my talent and serve them... by serving them food. I haven't done much hosting since this friend moved away, so any time the opportunity comes, I definitely treasure it. 

Last night, I made spur of the moment plans to host Sunday dinner with some friends. I started baking first thing this morning--dinner rolls and pie crusts. Chicken was marinating before church. I was so excited! Dinner turned out amazing! The chicken was moist and flavorful. The potatoes were delightful. The salad was a perfect accent. My dinner rolls were a hit, as always. The pies were beautiful. 

But honestly, for as delicious as the food was, the thing that made me happy (and always makes me happy about hosting) is the way people look so happy and content after. (A big part of that might be that my friends are all college students, and I'm pretty sure I eat much differently than they do... Dinners like this are a treat.)

Life is beautiful, especially if you are looking for the beautiful things that happen every day.