Bread, Homemade and Warm

It was the first day of school this fall, and as I walked up the steps to the sidewalk leading to the administration building, I spotted this basket. In it were freshly-made little whole wheat bread loaves. The sign, in case you can't read it, says, "There's no better way to start your morning off right than by enjoying a FREE healthy snack brought to you by your very own Collegiate Advocates for Better Living."

It looked mighty good, but I didn't help myself. I left it for the students, as I suspected it was meant for them.

I remember my mother making bread all through my childhood, teenage and young adult years. It was good whole wheat bread kneaded in a couple of sessions between risings in the well-used bread pans under a light linen kitchen towel. Mama tried to teach me to make bread, and I did it two or three times under her watchful tutelage. But the habit never really set in, especially after a flopped effort or two once I was living on my own. Mama now buys her bread, as the stores carry healthier versions than they used to, but my aunt still makes bread at home, and oh my, it's delicious!

Today is Homemade Bread Day. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. Why don't I take the time to mix the ingredients, to pound and knead the dough, to wait through the time it takes to get my nice, hot fresh bread from the oven, and to savor it fresh and warm with butter melting on it? I can see why "bread of life" was used to convey an important concept in the New Testament. There really is not much that is better for the nourishment of body and soul than fresh, hot bread.

So I think I'll ponder another swing through the bread-making territory. If not today, sometime soon!