Friday, May 23, 2008

The Un-Microwaved Life



We got rid of our microwave about a year ago. We had all sorts of reasons why. Possible health risks? Toxins? Altered food taste? Better safe than sorry?

Mostly I just hated what our microwave represented in our lives. Quick, quick, quick.

We settled for bad tasting and low quality cooking because it was fast.

How many other areas of my life are microwaved. Instant gratification. Have it fast and have it now. What happens to children who never have to wait for anything? Scary.

Patience is almost always learned. Not many people come by it naturally. I think that patience is beautiful, because it produces such sweet rewards.

Mostly I want a life that is savored and experienced fully. Taking time to notice and experience every little detail, even the most basic activities in my day. There is beauty to be found when we take the time to notice.

I love the way a hearty stew comes together, the browning of the beef turning the stew a deep rich brown, chopping the beautiful vegetables, combining all their vibrant colors in my big shiny pot, the wonderful smells and as it cooks down, all the ingredients seem to meld together. This takes all day, and it is wonderful.

Things that some to quickly to us, make us miss out on the process, and the beauty in the becoming.

That is why I don't like microwaves. I miss the *making*. The *process* and it's beauty.

I want the experience, the journey, just as much as I want the end result.
This applies to my food, and it most certainly applies to my life.

I pray that you have a blessed and productive day.
In God's Love, Tami


8 comments:

  1. We were microwave free until a year ago. I didn't miss it at all. Someone gave us one...a newer one and my husband really wanted it :o) So we have one. I would love to get rid of it.

    Many friends I have use a food processor to chop their veggies (I have one but have only used it twice)....I love to do it by hand one at a time because I enjoy the colors and combining piece by piece. Our TV is gone but the microwave will stay. I use it sparingly anyway. Just cuz it's there doesn't mean I have to use it.

    Love the morning basket! It would be a good idea for me. Depending on the day I do my quiet time in different places in the house. Everything would be all ready to go.
    Have a great weekend.

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  2. We gave up our microwave some time ago. I can't imagine going back. Food tastes so much better unmicrowaved. Plus I do love the process. After I was sick recently and unable to cook, I was back in the swing of homemade food. My daughter said, "I'm so glad you home cook."
    There is so much we miss out on when we try to hurry through the process. When we visit my parents for the holidays, we always eat the holiday meal on china. One of my favorite parts of the day is hand washing the dishes while we giggle in the kitchen.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    amanda

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  3. I forgot to tell you that my husband thought your photo was excellent. Nice framing.
    amanda

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  4. We've been microwave-free for a few years now, and really I don't miss the "box" at all.

    Just last month, my three-year old asked while we were at their cousins' house, "What's a microwave, Daddy?"
    Of course, everyone got a kick out of that!

    I am all for the un-microwaved life also... even when it means inconvenience sometimes...

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  5. I am all for being microwave free...I also think it's better to be safe than sorry....and the food they 'cook' tastes awful. There really is so much for our kids to learn about the process involved in cooking isn't there?....patience is a great lesson ;)

    By the way...your stew looks yummy!

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  6. Another microwave free family checking in....
    :-)

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  7. Thank you for the encouraging comments ladies. Sometimes it's hard to know how much of yourself to put out there for examination. I am confident that there are so many people that feel the same way we do. For me it is all about getting back to basics. Fully experiencing moments in life that can be hurried through, but that are better savored. Have a blessed week. In God's Love, Tami

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  8. I've linked to your blog with my "Microwave Junki" post. (Hope you don't mind.) I agree with your thoughts here, but you'll find me on the other side of the fence using my microwave every day. Check out my post to see why and leave me a comment to let me know you were there. ;)
    Love your blog and would love to see your garden and chickens!

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