I was newly married, hanging out with my in-laws, when the conversation turned to recipes. My retired father-in-law was detailing his expertise in the area of stuffed peppers and told me I should try to make them. I quickly declined, telling him, “I don’t know how to cook.”
He looked at me and asked, “Can you read?”
Yes, I said, stifling an indignant eye-roll out of respect.
“Then you can cook.”
The most frustrating truth of that exchange was that he was right. For some reason, I had convinced myself that I couldn’t cook. It’s not like I had failed attempts or spent hours in the kitchen. It was just not in my make-up, I told myself, which was actually pretty ridiculous.
I’d love to report that after being aptly chided by my father-inlaw that I immediately poured over cookbooks, subscribed to Bon Appetit and wowed my family with my culinary expertise. But the truth is, I still resisted learning how to cook. However, gradually, I became more comfortable in the kitchen. Today I make a respectable chicken piccata.
It’s challenging to get out of our comfort zone — to try new things. But when we do, it can be invigorating. Just recently I put together a bed frame, alone, without help. And I was quite pleased with myself. In days past, I would have left the task to my husband. But why? I can read. So I did it, slowly, but I did it.
Oftentimes, I find myself motoring along, tending to my faith with a similar routine — Mass on Sundays, reading (if I’m being honest, sometimes skimming) the daily readings I get on email after starting the day with my habitual shout-out to God. And while I have the good fortune as an occupational perk to be involved in diocesan special Masses and formation programs, I have to challenge myself to shake up my own routine.
Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to shake up your routine after reading our cover story on Josh Ingraham — a young student who chose to become Catholic while in high school (see pages 18-21). Or maybe you need a buddy — Socorro Truchan offers some ideas for how to grow in your faith while also enjoying couple time with your spouse. Or maybe you’ll accept Bishop Bradley’s invitation and participate in our first-ever diocesan Eucharistic Congress — an amazing opportunity to join with your fellow Catholics for a spiritually-charged day.
Whatever you decide, I hope you take just a small step to try something new. The payoff will likely be out of this world.