When we turn a calendar page from September to October, we are bombarded–in a humorous way–with all things “pumpkin spice” or “apple”. Whether it’s a coffee from a local coffee shop to baked goods, there’s something fun and special about the arrival of our fall favorite delicacies. Personally, I enjoy the flavors both fruits offer so I can’t pinpoint which I prefer.

If you follow me here regularly, you know that I have gleaned many beautiful memories from my Grandma Jewell. I was fortunate to have her in my life for 14 years but much of what I “know” about her has come from memories shared from my dad and his siblings. With Thanksgiving soon approaching I fondly remembered something that happened with Grandma and homemade pumpkin butter.

Life during the depression was very difficult across America and no different for my grandparents struggling to eke out a living on their farm in northern Michigan. The family always had a milking cow or two, but for some reason Grandma faced a stretch where she didn’t have cream to make butter. She did have some pumpkins which she turned into “pumpkin butter”. After all, she needed “something” hungry bellies could slather on her homemade bread.

She and grandpa had an occasion to entertain a male guest at their dinner table. Grandma was embarrassed that she didn’t have any butter to serve, yet she still placed bread on the table to accompany the meal. As coincidence would have it, their guest began reminiscing about his favorite foods. Low and behold he was quoted as sharing “boy, I sure do love pumpkin butter…..” “I haven’t had any in a very long time”.

“Hold on”….Grandma got up from the table, returning from her pantry carrying a huge bowl of pumpkin butter! “Enjoy!” she told him.

His simple memory of a favorite food was what it took to break through her embarrassment and pride, an action that brought joy to both.

I think there are many times we miss a blessing when we allow our fears, embarrassment, or pride to overshadow living authentically. I think of friends who live in big houses as well as smaller ones. Years ago I was jealous of a friend whose home was much larger than ours, complete with an inground pool. After visiting her I was envious for a few weeks until God reminded me that although she and her family had a large spacious home, they were missing one important thing in life. They didn’t have relationships with Jesus. The aftermath and new awareness that resulted from my visit changed my perspective on what truly matters in life.

Yes, I love “all things Fall”–pumpkin spice, apples, falling leaves, changing colors of trees, the fragrance of wood fires in our neighborhood. In a mere few weeks we will all celebrate Thanksgiving where a spirit of gratitude will hopefully be the centerpiece of tables laden with delicious foods.

I’ve never had pumpkin butter in all honesty. Maybe I need to change that and search for a recipe…make a “huge” bowl and serve it with confident joy to all who grace our home with their presence!