She just returned from her annual "trip to Grandma's" where she is petted and spoiled all week. Just what a kid who has siblings needs most- a chance to bask in someone's undivided attention.
J did some cooking alongside Grandma and was eager to show us her skill in making pancakes. She was very confident as she found the bowl and the baking powder; set up the electric fry pan, and then she poured her first two pancakes. "These don't look right," she told me. I had been frying some bacon and generally staying out of the junior chef's way, when I peered over her shoulder at her cakes. "The first batch is always a test," I replied.
She proceeded to flip the flapjacks, but they stuck to the pan. "Something's wrong with the pan!"
I checked the temperature and we nudged the dial up a bit. We tossed those two in the sink and she tried again.
This time they were bubbling up, but when she flipped them over the color was uneven. "They look awful," she wailed. Once again I assured her that it wasn't a big deal. Her brother, home from college and starving for home cooking, wouldn't notice the difference.
Pancake after pancake was made- some a beautiful golden color and other's were light tan to dark tan. As each person was served and the compliments flowed, J's frown became more prominent.
I can personally attest that these pancakes were better than my past efforts. They were light and airy and delicious, but that didn't appease the cook.
She left the kitchen feeling defeated despite our assurances and high praise.
Sometimes our best efforts are appreciated by everyone but ourselves. We pick apart the tiniest details and nit-pick, pointing out the flaws.
We need to learn how to accept a compliment without the self
A little life lesson served up with the pancakes.
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