Nothing seems to be coming at me ho-hum or indifferently, but rather with fierce emotion and purpose. This week has been one of those weeks where I feel like every moment has been completely designed. Up and down, crying and laughing, but through every single design, beauty ultimately is winning.
Each day, literally, something new was tossed my direction. Do you remember the game where two people stood across from one another, tossed a water balloon back and forth, and stepped back one step with each successful catch? Do you remember how gently you had to receive the balloon? Remember bending down and cradling the balloon? Well. That basically describes this week, a lot of bending down and cradling. Nobody wants the balloon to explode on their shirt. Just like I have been tossed a few water balloons, I also have tossed a few myself. Thankfully, they were gently received. For that I am quite grateful.
I am being vague because I have to be, but insert your own situations, and I am sure you can empathize a little. Relationships? Family? Work? You name it; we have seen it, but here is the beautiful part. All the crying and worrying and fretting is coming around to hope. When the world gives us the proverbial middle finger, of course we want to throw it right back, but we must learn to reach out an open hand instead. Honestly, the harder we love when the loving gets tough, the better the day when the sun goes down. This is some sort of ironic twist to a successful life. Give mercy when we want revenge. Give love when we have been hated. This is the irony of Grace. The toughest times to show grace are the most crucial times to show grace.
I feel a little like Mister Rogers, but that is fine by me. I loved everything about that show, except the scary puppets. (Yes. They were scary.) Call a neighbor that needs a friend, and take them on a picnic. This sweet potato salad is the perfect picnic carry along. Make amends. Ask forgiveness. Just go be silly. We all could use a little more of that.
Sweet Potato Salad makes about 5 cups
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
4 stalks celery, diced
1 cup pecan pieces, toasted and chopped
1 cup dried cherries or 1/2 cup fresh sweet cherries, minced*Dressing
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
zest of 1 large orange
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt1. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Place in large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Drain and spread pieces on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in 400 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until soft
2. Whisk together dressing (can be made a day ahead). Toast pecan pieces (if not already toasted) on a baking sheet in 400 degree oven for 5 minutes
3. Cool sweet potato pieces and pecans completely
4. Toss sweet potatoes with dressing, celery, pecans, and cherries
* in winter use dried cranberries instead
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