A month or so ago, my cousin had a post on Facebook about her child requesting our Grandma’s molasses cookies. My mouth instantly watered and a smile spread across my face as I remembered the delicious treats. Grandma always had a variety of special sweets, and if those were not enough, her molasses cookies always adorned her special silver cookie tray. Grandma doesn’t recognize her faithful cookie eaters anymore and has not mixed up a batch in many years. A stroke has left her body frail and dementia has overtaken her mind. But I am so thankful for treasured memories, a simple recipe card, and a very special cookie tray in my hutch.
After reading my cousin’s post, I decided I should at least try my hand at making these cherished cookies once. Unlike my Grandma, I am not a master baker and I especially loathe making cookies. I do, however, enjoy a little challenge. To begin I got out the copy of her neatly typed (on a typewriter) recipe and read through the ingredients – simple enough. When I reached the instructions, I knew I was in trouble. “Mix. Roll in sugar. Flatten. Bake.” Maybe it was just me, but I was certain there were some missing details. Thankfully next to the faded, typed letters “365°” was scribbled in her handwriting. Somewhat blindly I began; I mixed, rolled, flattened, and baked at 365° having faith I’d have something resembling the cookie I remembered. Several batches later, I’m finally getting close.
One day I allowed a batch to cool and placed a few on Grandma’s silver tray. I proudly snapped a picture on my phone and sent it to my sister. She immediately replied with her plea for me to share. A few days later I surprised her with several dozen in a package on her doorstep. Later that evening I received a text message saying, “Never in my life have I eaten something that so quickly took me back to an exact place and time. Those are so good!” I must admit – they really are about as good as I remember them.
Her text reminded me of my study of the Israelites leaving Egypt. When Pharaoh finally released the Israelites, the instructions were not exactly clear either. Perhaps somewhat out of desperation the Israelites trusted God had a plan and set out on a journey like no other. Each day God led them and provided for their needs. They continued to whine and complain, but God stuck with them just as He had promised. Eventually God instructed Moses to have the Israelites celebrate the Passover out in the desert. (Numbers 9) This would be the first time commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt by God’s power. Do you suppose the Israelites were swept back to a moment in time as they prepared the celebration, remembering that night and all God had done for them since?
It’s good for us to remember. When we look at our past we can more clearly see God at work protecting and carrying us through dark valleys in our life. The blessings He has provided us with become more evidence of His hand at work in our daily routines. It is almost as though we are able to dive into our past and better understand our present as we remember different times and events in our life.
As I have been preparing for Easter, remembering all God has brought me through in the last year has been a gift. Sure there were times I would like to remove from my memory, but I’ve realized that is where His power was the strongest. I pray the same is true for you as you prepare your heart for the resurrection of your Savior.
Becky Ossefoort