In the last 10 years or so, I have taken up learning how to make sausage, pulled pork, brisket, kielbasa, meatloaf and a host of other items in our smoker. In fact, we have named my hobby “Scotty’s Smokehouse.” I have come to really enjoy cooking, something my mother instilled in me from my earliest recollections. But it was my father who taught me how to grill in the backyard, far before I ever considered learning how to smoke different meats and cheeses.
Now, mind you that we didn’t have unlimited funds when I was growing up. In fact, far from it. We didn’t have some fancy grill, either. Rather, we had a charcoal grill with a small hood that acted as a windscreen so Dad could keep the coals hot in the most adverse of circumstances. It had one round grate that could move up or down by adjusting a center rod. Believe me, it was nothing extravagant. Throughout my childhood it was the only grill that we had. Boy, how I learned to love the smell of charcoal and lighter fluid. Yes, I know that more modern ways have been invented to start fires but we stuck to Kingsford charcoal and starter fluid.
We had an unfinished basement that happened to have high windows that looked out on the adjacent ground level patio where Dad had his grill. After every cook, whether it was baby back ribs or hot dogs, Dad would pass that grate down to me through the window and it was my job to soak it in the laundry tub until I could get it clean – ready for the next cook. The whole process became a ritual and while I did most of the clean-up, I learned to love grilling.
One 4th of July, I was setting off small flying “saucers” in the yard while we were grilling. One of them flew right into my father’s chest and set his new shirt on fire. Of course, he brushed it off but the damage had been done. The shirt was ruined and he had burns on his chest. It was the last time that I was really interested in doing anything with fireworks. On hindsight, it was probably a blessing as it has kept me out of trouble since then.
Janet and I have had a grill ever since we got married. But we did move to gas rather than the charcoal that I had grown up with. Recently, I finally added a charcoal grill that we used yesterday to celebrate July 4th. Frankly, I just sat downstairs on the lower patio and watched the flames dance, as in the old days when Dad was still around. Of course, even though there are more modern methods to start the fire, I still used Kingsford and starter fluid. Old habits die hard…
As I watched the fireworks and different celebrations around the country, I was taken aback by the number of grills and fires that I saw on the TV. While Memorial Day may be the start of summer, at least as far as activities are concerned, the 4th of July weekend is undoubtedly the pinnacle of hospitality, camaraderie, fellowship and good times. I think I have enjoyed this weekend more than any year that I can remember.
Another thing I enjoyed was the unity that I observed. The celebration in Colonial Williamsburg was broadcast on PBS and then there was the over the top program in our nation’s capital after that. Locally, one of our neighbors orchestrated a huge fireworks show in the backyard – setting fireworks off over the lake. They probably could have added a room on the house for what that show set them back. It was wonderful and exciting. Our kids and grandchildren came over to watch – Janet and I came to the conclusion that in addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas morning, we needed to add July 4th to our hosting schedule. These days the kids do most of the hosting… but we have reserved certain special days to host here.
Now we are in the the height of summer and it is time to barbecue every chance we get – until most of it comes to a screeching halt somewhere around Labor Day when the return to reality hits, school starts and we begin to hunker down for the approaching fall. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the charcoal fire smell that I so love.
Our verse for tonight comes from the prophet Nehemiah. He tells us about celebration in this Old Testament book, and in Nehemiah 8:10 he tells us, “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Clearly, this was quite the celebration. It is similar to what we experienced this past weekend.
My encouragement this evening is that we are part of the greatest nation on earth. Coming together this past weekend in unity and celebration is a special kind of closeness that I hope can be remembered and built upon as we try to heal the country. My prayer is that we will all go out of our way to do more than our part to demonstrate unity and exhibit the kind of life that Jesus wants for us. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…