Prayers and Potaotes: Food for the Soul

 Not so long ago my husband and I owned a supper club.  It started out managable: I worked a separate full time job so my part in this adventure was to manage the books.  That worked well for about a year and then covid came along and we began journeying down a difficult road of being understaffed.  My role in this business went from minimal to full throttle mode faster than you can say fish sticks.  One of the many new roles I took on was prep cook.  I found myself in the basement prep room spending many hours surrounded by potatoes that were in need of attention.  Potatoes that needed scrubbing, peeling, boiling, mashing, baking, quartering, and slicing.   We used many, many potatoes in the creation of mashed potatoes, broasted potatoes, baked potatoes, German potato salad, and American potato salad. Potatoes in their many glorious forms are just a culinary staple that helps fill and sustain us, right?

 All of this time working with my spuds in the basement, usually alone, gave me lots of time to think.  And pray.  During these very difficult years of working two jobs and too many hours, I definitely needed more than just potatoes to keep me going.  I needed prayer and lots of it.  There were many things to be worried about: our health, the sustainability of the business, and our children and the remaining employees who worked tirelessly.  There were also the practical, day to day things that seemed to be in short supply like time to get everything done and the energy to do it all.  Prayer and faith in God is what got me through this challenging time.  My mantra during this time came from Isaiah 41:10

       Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

     I will strengthen you and help you.

    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

God truly sustained and strengthened me and taught me that with his victorious right hand, I was capable of doing so much more than I'd ever imagine possible.  I came to realize in that basement prep room that prayers and potatoes ARE food for the soul. Staying connected to God in prayer is what guides our decisions, keeps us strong, and gives us hope in tough times.  He uses people, circumstances, experiences, and nature to teach us many things in life.  The intent of this blog is to share the insights and lessons I have learned, and continue to learn, in life and this faith journey.