As I drove across the countryside this week, watching all of the harvest going on around us, I encountered many large machines coming and going. Sometimes I would have to follow slowly behind one of them, until they realized I was needing to pass. Almost always the machine would creep to the edge on the right side of the high
way to let me pass on the left. Or in other situations I have waited before crossing a bridge to let them through before I took my turn. It is so appreciated when another person puts your needs before theirs and allows you to do whatever is necessary for the moment.
It is pretty much human nature to put ourselves first, isn’t it? God instructs us to “Do unto others what you would have them do to you”. Matthew 7:12. And to do that we must focus on other people’s needs instead of our own “rights”. The best part of living our life in this way is that every time we sacrifice in order to serve someone else, we’re sowing seeds of blesing that we will surely reap in return.
Do you know how two goats respond when they meet on a narrow path above a river? They can’t turn back, and they can’t pass each other because they lack even a little bit of spare room. The goats instinctively know that if they butt each other they’ll both fall into the river below and drown.
So how do they handle it? Nature has taught one goat to lie down so the other can pass over it! As a result both animals survive and arrive at their destination safe and sound. But instead of seeing itself as a doormat to be walked on, the goat sees itself as a bridge to be crossed over! It becomes a win/win opportunity, just like when we “move over” for someone to pass us in these busy times of harvest.
During this busy season, when the air is chilly and our appetites need to be taken care of, it is great to have something easy to “throw in the oven”. This recipe came from a gal that I helped a couple weeks ago. We were helping to feed a group of people taking some classes from Love Inc. in Worthington. It is delicious and hearty enough to feed a family or those coming in from the combine or tractors and long hours in the field. Enjoy!
Ritz Chicken or Turkey Casserole
Combine: 2 to 3 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1 cup minute rice or instant brown rice, UNCOOKED
Drained, canned peas
Pimento and slivered almonds are optional to be added
If this mixture seems thick, it can be thinned with milk or chicken broth.
Put it all in a greased 9 by 13 pan. Top with one roll of crushed, Ritz crackers. If you want, you may also add 1 Tlbs. poppy seeds to the topping.
Drizzle 3/4 stick of butter, melted, across the top of the mixture. Bake at 300 degrees for one hour.
lbeerman68@gmail.com
