Monthly Archives: December 2020

Thanks Again Aaron Franklin

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Thirty or so years ago a friend gifted a collection of recipes on 3×5 cards she collected while at military bases around the world. Subsequently, anther friend gave me a typewritten collection of recipes from cooking classes he instructed. Further, I have a copy of a mincemeat recipe written on a penny postcard addressed to my mother from her aunt. With the onset of “pretty” cookbooks and recipe blogs containing more photos and words than ingredients, we have lost much of traditional recipe exchanges. As the third in a five generation line of bakers, all I need are the ingredients and a couple measurements. You can keep the wordage and pictures. However, there is one exception- Franklin Barbecue, a Meat Smoking Manifesto by Aaron Franklin and Jordan MacKay (Ten Speed Press). My son, an obvious pictures guy, gave me the book as a guide for smoking brisket.

My widow friend wanted to serve a whole brisket for her family’s Christmas dinner. Having sampled my efforts in the past, she and her son asked if I would smoke it for them. After agreeing, the challenges suddenly compounded.

  • The special importance of Christmas dinner
  • A 15 pound/$65 piece of meat
  • Prep/smoke time to meet a one o’clock meal
  • A miserable day- wind, rain, and cold temperature
  • A Weber grill versus ¼” plate steel smoker

As is my routine, I reviewed Franklin’s step-by-step guide before deciding my course of action. Once again Mr. Franklin and the photographed instructions helped immensely. I have never experienced a sample of his brisket, but the borrowed 22-inch Weber produced an exceptional meal. The family was happy with the results. And I am thankful for this guide to successfully smoking meats.

Worn Pews

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My first notice of worn, scratched or otherwise marred pews was 1995. A member of a Methodist congregation asked me to inspect and suggest remediation of warped flooring in a nearly century old church. The water caused damage was the result of a hurricane.

Alone in the sacred stillness I became aware of, and took time to reflect on, the vast numbers of people who have worshiped in that place over the years. The walnut floor and pews were well worn by sitters and standers; by umbrellas and purses and assorted items; and restless children. They came with their possessions and left their marks. Obviously countless numbers visited and went away spiritually refreshed.

The nonsense of 2020 has allowed me to once again contemplate the important role of religion in our society. Restrictions on local church services requires me to travel 30 miles or so to be in the Lord’s house on Sunday. In doing so, I have found another church with worn pews. The inconvenience of travel is small compared to the peace of worshiping in a church with worn pews.

Humility 2021

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While certainly not an original idea, after all Benjamin Franklin practiced it, each year my resolution is to work toward a virtuous life. For 2021, my project is humility. In preparing for the New Year, I acknowledge a list of steps necessary to be mindful of humility in my life.

  • Expertise/knowledge is limited by finite insight and understanding
  • Appreciate and respect others
  • Listen first and, if necessary, speak in as few words as possible
  • Withhold judgment
  • Blaming is counter-productive
  • Help and learn from each person encountered
  • Uplift others in words and actions
  • Always remember there is a possibility of being wrong
  • Express gratitude in every situation
  • Look for opportunities to serve others
  • All solutions are on God’s schedule
  • Compare things- not people
  • Gossip is most often a form of comparing
  • It is not who is right, but what is right
  • Follow God’s example of total love and complete forgiveness

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less- C S Lewis