I don't particularly enjoy baking. I'm definitely not one of those people who bakes to relieve stress. The only food-related activity you will see me doing when I'm stressed is eating. Any preparation required to do so is only a means to an end. Because I'm not a fan of spending hours in the kitchen, I prefer to get the job done as quickly and as simply as possible. Little prep, little mess, get in, get out.
But I have kids.
My kids also love to eat, and unlike their boring mother, they love to bake. They want to do all the jobs--scoop, measure, crack, pour, stir! When we bake together, I have to let go of my desire for efficiency. I must accept that messes will occur. My kitchen will look like a flour bomb exploded. The floor will be covered in crumbs. Egg whites will be strewn across the countertop. When all is said and done, I will most definitely have an overflowing sink full of dirty dishes.
On baking days, I embrace the mess. I want my kids to explore. I want them to enjoy developing new skills. I know that in order to learn, they must experiment. They have to get their hands dirty. Even though my kids might try to clean up after themselves, I know that I will still be in the kitchen long after they have consumed all the food and fled to another room to play. I will be the one on my hands and knees scraping up the final little pieces of dough from the floor when the rest of the family has moved on to other activities.
And that's okay.
That was the plan.
Our Heavenly Father gave us mortality to learn, experiment, explore, and get our hands dirty.
That was the plan.
As we develop the relational skills He sent us here to acquire, we make all sorts of messes. We are like eager children who want to do it all, but we can't help but leave a trail of figurative flour, eggs, and sugar behind us. Through repentance, we can try to clean up after ourselves. However, like children in a messy kitchen, our greatest efforts and best intentions are still often not enough to completely eliminate the residue of our mistakes and sins.
Because Heavenly Father knew that mortality would inevitably be messy, He found the most willing, patient, and thorough clean-up crew--our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our growth is His only interest, and it is His work and glory to do all it takes to facilitate that growth so that we can reach an eternal life with Him and those we love. He gladly sweeps away each crumb and scrubs every surface. He never scolds us or resents His job.
Next time you make a wrong choice, think of your Savior as a patient parent supervising you as you try and fail and try again. When you face the messes of your life, clean up what you can, but know that He can take care of the rest. Let Him do it. Say thank you, and forgive yourself for not being perfect.
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