TOP's Tuesday: Missing and NEVER Forgotten

"Number one, I absolutely love 
making chocolate chip cookies.
I mean, it's fun. It's exciting.
Beyond the fact that I love making them,
I love eating them."
- Debbi Fields

Last night my daughter said, "Mom, I'm thinking tomorrow will be National Cookie Day on Channel 9 again. Don't you." 

I was heading into sleep mode so missed the subtle hint so I responded with, "Maybe not National Cookie Day but possibly a different type of cookie. Then I looked into her eyes and the mischievious smile on her face and smiled. 

I modified my answer, "I guess it depends on what time I get out of bed, if it is or not." We both laughed and finished our bedtime routines, forgetting her request.

As my alarm went off this morning, I decided to wake Mags with the house filled with the aroma of fresh baked cookies. When Mags dragged through the kitchen she stopped and said, "Hey, you really made cookies." 

I laughed because I thought this was the point of her comment the night before. We both left the house with a plate of warm cookies to share. I tasted tested a couple with my coffee to be sure they were safe.

What does my daughter's desire for freshly baked cookies in the morning and "Missing and Never Forgotten" have to do with each other? Great question, I'm glad you asked. 

As children, one of Heidi and my favorite things to enjoy were my mother's homemade chocolate chip cookies. If Mom knew we were having a big test, had a dragon to slay while at school that day, or noticed we just needed a little pick-me-up...we came home to the aroma of freshly baked cookies, still warm from the oven. 

Mom never complained or mentioned she worked all day and baked cookies before even starting supper, she just did it. With warm cookies and a cold milk, Mom listened to us unwind from the day's events and offered words-of-wisdom.

BUT you know what she did best? She listened without opinion or judgement. She made us her first priority, regardless of how tired she was or the lists needing her attention.  I wish I could say this example is modeled on a daily basis in my home but this morning, instead of doing a load of laundry or the dishes, I baked. Guess what, the dishes from last night and this morning are still in the sink and on the counter waiting for me. Rather than putting on my "Martha hat", I hung it on the hook and put on my "Mary hat". It is worth every dirty dish and and unfolded piece of clean clothes. Although I didn't spend time at the feet of Jesus, I spent time listening and being there for my daughter.

It doesn't have anything to do with the cookies really, it has to do with the time and my focus. I'm thankful for my mother's keen sense of when Heidi or I needed her attention and words-of wisdom and ears-of-listening. I pray Mags will reflect one day and say the same about me and our relationship. Around the kitchen table is more than enjoying Mom's delicious chocolate chip cookies (I use the same recipe today), it was mother-daughter time. It was two sisters, one Mom, and time wonderfully spent. Thank you Mom! What memory of time spent with your parent around the kitchen table do you remember and cherish? Will you share below?