My Test of Grace

Picture this scenario with me.

I’ve been up out of my cozy, warm bed since 6:30 a.m.

All day long I’ve sliced and diced, calculated quantities, determined times that dishes should be put in and out of the oven, and burned my left thumb and right lower arm.

Two meals have been prepped, prepared, served, and cleaned up.  Only one more to go for the day…

My head itches under my hat and I smell like sautéed onions.

At one point in the day, I realize my deodorant doesn’t live up to its claims.

“Hmm…” I ponder to myself, “ I need to buy some of that stuff that says it’s strong enough for a man, but made for a woman!”

My feet are screaming at the fact that, although happiest bare, they are now trying to figure out how to mould to the confines of their new (incredibly uncomfortable) and highly recommended Danskos.  After 11 hours of standing on them, the dull ache has now turned into a full fledged pulsing throb.

But, finally, yes, finally, the dinner meal is on the serving table.

The lasagne is tender, yet firm enough to cut in squares (hallelujah!).

The garlic toast is hot and crispy, and the Caesar salad is flying on to the guests’ plates faster than you can blink.

The ice cream cake is cut, plated, and ready to serve at the proper time.

All is well…

UNTIL…

I see a guest approaching.

“Um,”

“excuse me?”

“Yes”, I smile and nod politely.

“What do you have as a gluten free option?”

{Insert silent scream}

And, now, I will hold my tongue…

This is, most certainly, my current test of grace.

***

Please, please, please don’t misunderstand my frustration. (Hold the hate mail!)  I know and love many people who have gluten (or dairy) issues that are genuine causes for concern and attention.

The people aren’t the frustration (well, most of the time, anyway).

But, I’m frustrated that I can’t figure out how to cook a hot meal for 50 (or 60 or 85) and then still do something completely separate for 1 or 2 people.

I’m working on it, but I haven’t mastered it.

I’ll fully admit that I don’t know yet how to do the “gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian” thing very well.

I know this for a fact.

A guest already told me so…