When the Recipe Changes: Finding Faith in New Seasons

by Jody Sackman

I have always loved this time of year. Not because I love the cold weather—if you know me, you know this girl loves the sunshine and the warmth of the sun's glow. However, I can honestly say I do love this winter season. The reason I cherish this holiday season is because I hold many fond memories of baking together with family deep in my heart.

My love for baking started many, many years ago in my grandmother’s kitchen. Often when entering her house, we would be greeted with a friendly and cozy waft of something yummy. Grandma was always noted for cooking or baking something truly good. And you never left her house empty-handed! You’d leave with your belly full and a little extra treat in your hand to enjoy later.

In holiday seasons past, we would gather to bake cookies and treats of all sorts. We would collect recipes, gather ingredients (notably Mom's huge Schwan’s golden ice cream tin container filled with flour!), and we would bake all day long until Grandma’s huge dining room table was filled with assorted goodies. The entire house was filled with the sweet aroma of those treats.

Today, I’m learning a new form of baking. Per my doctor's recommendation, I must now eat gluten-free. This is a new 'art' to me. Although I have asked a few 'more seasoned' GF bakers some of their tricks, I know it will take time to hone in on the skill of baking differently, without gluten. It will take time... and some failures too, I’m certain.

As I sit with my convection oven noisily baking my very first attempt at GF baking (pumpkin bars), I glance outside and see that the "new" season of winter is upon us. The snow is gently falling, and there is no sun in sight!  Although the change in seasons has my heart a little heavy, I’m still joyful in it as my heart is recalling the past fond memories of this time of year. Memories filled to the brim. First with my grandma and mom, then me and my mom, finally my kids and I, and God willing, someday with my own grandkids. 

Seasons of change can be difficult for various reasons. For me, I’ve practiced 40+ years of baking the gluten-filled way and have become quite good at it (mostly). Yet, my season of baking "regularly" has now ceased to exist, and I’m faced with a new challenge and questions: Will I embrace it? Will I continue to learn and try until I get it right? Will I implement this new practice into my life correctly?

Throughout my life, I’ve often heard the phrase: ‘the obstacle is the way.’ It means that the difficulties, challenges, or barriers you face aren’t just things to avoid or get around—they’re the very means by which you grow, progress, and succeed. In other words, when you encounter an obstacle: Don’t waste energy wishing it weren’t there. Instead, look for how it can make you stronger, smarter, or more resilient.

Perhaps you’re in a season of a “recipe change” or facing challenges, and you’re feeling a little stuck or uncertain about embracing this 'obstacle as the way' mindset. May I remind you that you’re not alone in this season of change; God is with us! In fact, the phrase, "I am with you," is a direct and common statement of God's presence, repeated 14 to 16 times in the New and Old Testaments. That is serious business!

In Deuteronomy 31:8, God made a declaration—a promise to us: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Although our world is filled with uncertainty and new seasons (even GF baking!), we have a constant assurance: He is with us, ALWAYS! 💙Who knows, maybe my GF pumpkin bars will be amazing, and your new season—it just might be the best season yet!