A lesson from Mary or "Why YOU may need an electric potato peeler"!
When I’d visit my grandma in Toronto, we’d often stand shoulder to shoulder in her tiny galley kitchen and peel potatoes for the evening meal. I’d watch in amazement as she deftly turned the spud in one hand and with a paring knife in the other, create long spirals of peel that landed in her compost bowl like so many amputated pigs’ tails. There was nothing hurried about this task. We’d chat about school, or music lessons or her life on the farm. Sometimes, we’d play a game to see who could create the longest potato spiral. There was nothing outstanding about these times together, but even as I’m writing this, I realize I’m smiling and breathing deeper…
Why couldn’t I have remembered that last week?
On Tuesday afternoon, a group of ladies were sitting around our table. It was week 3 of our homemaking course and I was waxing eloquent on the evils of unitaskers. You know those gadgets that were giveaways at Tupperware parties 30 years ago? Garlic presses, egg separators, pizza scissors, strawberry hullers and don’t get me started on those rarely used George Foreman grills or yogurt makers - all taking up precious drawer or counter top space.
“Invest in a good set of knives”, I admonished. “That’s all you need.”
Mary looked down at her notes, unseeing, crestfallen.
“Are you saying I should give up my electric potato peeler?” she asked.
“No..I never tell anyone what to keep or let go of. But wouldn’t it be simpler to just get a good vegetable peeler? Easier to clean? Takes up less space?”
I’d never even heard of an electric potato peeler. Why on earth would anyone even want one unless their hands were crippled?
“So why would you like to keep it?” I asked, hoping that my mild exasperation didn't show.
Mary then went on to explain how her grandson was mesmerized with her electric potato peeler and every time he came to visit, the first thing he'd ask was, “Do you have any potatoes to peel?” And Mary always made sure she did. She’d plug in her potato peeler and they’d laugh together, peeling enough potatoes to feed a Russian army.
Wow!
I preach “Make space for what matters.”
Quality time with a grandchild matters.
Mary got it.
By the way…
If you’re a grandparent or just an older person with influence who wishes to impart your faith or values to the next generation, you may like to check out The Legacy Coalition.