It might surprise you, especially if you live with me.
Because it isn't doing your own laundry,
or not stashing dirty socks behind the couch (moms of boys do not have a corner on such things),
or forgetting to brush your hair for four days in a row (which I could handle if it was a pixie cut, but yours comes down to the middle of your back, or it did three days ago),
or hanging up bath towels to dry instead of wadding them in a wet soggy corner to end up smelling stale (even after three rounds through the wash),
or learning to balance the checkbook (and pay off credit cards every month),
and be responsible for your commitments (you signed up for it - not me),
and show up to places on time (which means 5 minutes early, unless you don't know where you are going and then 20 minutes early is a better plan),
and if you can't make it home on time to use that thing called a cell phone, so that I don't sit and worry where you are... (please keep using that cell phone, and Facebook to keep in contact - even when you don't live upstairs here anymore).
Yes, those are things that I hope that you leave this house with (and Lord knows, we have broken the record on a few of them).
But I WILL teach you how to make cookies before you leave this house.
Not any cookies, but a double-batch of double chocolate chip malted cookies.
And here's why.
Because cookies make people feel better.
And there are a lot of people out there who need to be cared for.
You can't do anything about the co-worker who is having a horrific week, but you can let them know you care.
You can't help your neighbor who just got a terminal diagnosis, but you can show you care.
When you kids are down and school has been tough - cookies and milk when they get home does actually make the day a little more bear-a-ble.
And when you have had the bad day, when you are the one railing at unseen forces in this world and pushing against walls you have no hope of tearing down. On those days....
On those days, you come home and bake.
And you bake a double batch - because a warm baked cookie can make you smile even if you were the one who made it. But a double-batch means praying about those who need them too, about quick notes to write to make sure they get into the hands of those who need them. About the people around you that you can care for.
And it's an amazing thing that hour in the kitchen will do for you.
The house will smell good and inviting.
You will relax, at least a little bit, maybe even over a warm gooey cookie and a glass of cold milk yourself.
Those who live with you will be glad. And if you live alone, take the opportunity to drop a plate of the warm ones to a neighbor if you can. Or make the night better for the librarians at the local library, or your dentists office when you go to visit (and that way they also know why you have cavities). The college-age or singles groups at local churches will make quick work of them. If you have kids, teachers always need a boost before conference night or before grades are due at the end of the quarter.
If you are praying as you measure the flour (spoon it into the measuring cup, don't scoop it out of the flour bin), God will always give you ideas on who can use them.
And believe it or not helping others, that can be some of the best medicine when you are having a hard day yourself.
And when you make them, I hope for one last thing. That you will feel me beside you giving you a quick hug, because I am proud of you and love you - enough to make you learn to be precise in measuring the sugar, enough to make you overcome your anxiety about hot trays. Enough to understand that that 1 teaspoon of salt is still important (pretty sure there is a lesson there too) I love you enough to teach you about one of the greatest powers in the world.
Prayer combined with cookies.
Chocolate malted cookies
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