Sunday Devotion- Put Down the Whisk

Janet Rubin

Yesterday I was making tiramisu, a new recipe for me. I’d mixed up some of the ingredients in my Kitchen Aid mixer. Next the recipe instructed me to “whip” some whipping cream, then fold it in. Now, keep in mind that I didn’t grow up with a cooking/baking mom (she was more the restaurant/TV dinner type), but have learned as I go. Soooo, rather than fuss with switching mixing bowls in the mixer, I figured I’d whip up the cream in another bowl. You know, to save myself some trouble.

With a whisk.

It seemed to be taking some time, so I called my friend Lisa to chat and pass the time. As she updated me on the happenings of her household, I whisked harder. The consistency did not seem to be changing. Just how long was this supposed to take? Lisa relayed a story about her pastor. I whisked. Lisa complained about her husband’s snoring. I whisked. Sweat began to bead on my forehead. My bicep burned with the exertion.

“Ow!” I said. “I can’t do this anymore.”

“What on earth are you doing over there?”

“I’m making this dessert and I have to whip the whipping cream so I’m using a whisk…”

“Stop!” At her shout, I nearly dropped the phone. “Just stop what you’re doing right now.”

I looked at the whisk.

“Girlfriend, never try to whip cream with a whisk. Listen to me. Friends don’t let friends use a whisk.”

”I just thought…”

At her insistence, I put the cream in a bowl and the mixer had it whipped into a frenzy in perhaps 30 seconds. Huh. What do ya know?

Many things we can learn by trial and error. But so many times we don’t need to. We can learn from the experience of others. In writing, that means finding mentors, reading books on writing, reading author interviews on Novel Journey (Gina, is it a sin to put a commercial in a devotion?) In our Christian walks it means finding mature Christians to teach us and learning from the many biblical examples God gave us.

We aren’t alone in writing or life. Many have gone before us and learned a wealth of things. Take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

And spare yourself an achy bicep.

Lord, Sometimes I put myself through such trouble because I try to go it alone. What seems easier to me actually results in more work. Thank You for all of the resources You’ve provided to help me grow spiritually and as a writer. Help me be humble enough to ask for the guidance I need. Amen