This article is a part of "The Amish Cook Column", a weekly series of featuring a story & recipe from Gloria Yoder, Amish widow & mother of six from Flat Rock, Illinois
Morning dawns. March 19th stays etched in memory. Sixteen years ago I rose early, eager to meet the young man who would be called my husband by that afternoon. It was a day like no other. I was happy and I was young, only 20 years old at the time. Little had I thought what would transpire in my life, but God knew, and on that day He wanted to shower me with His blessings.
Today those are happy memories, even though Daniel is no longer on this side of eternity. Somehow the grace of God has made those memories to be good, and today to be good, on what would have been our 16th wedding anniversary.
Four years ago, when I first thought of the title of a widow, it tried to taunt me, but as time went on I realized that it was like any other calling God gives to those who seek to serve Him. He calls, and His children follow, no matter the sacrifice and tears. A year after Daniel passed I was convicted to not only accept this calling, but to also embrace it as well. It was a stretch at first to tell God that I take it, I receive this calling, like pulling it to myself. But oh, the joy of being where He has called me to be! It is a safe place that He custom designed for me. With that I am thankful that He understands the heartache that goes with it and the battle of parenting alone. Since He cares, He allows enough hard things to surface to keep reminding me that I cannot do it on my own, yet provides so deeply that we know we are covered.
Yes, today has been a good day, one with joys and tears. The forecast for today had looked more cloudy and cool. I told God that a nice day would mean so much to me. He granted it! The weather was perfect, much like it was 16 years ago. Bless His name.
This forenoon I tutored 3rd grade math for an hour and a half, then took the opportunity to do some extra cleaning and organizing in my bedroom. Many little things reminded me of what was. As I contemplated, I realized that the only fair option to myself is to look to God, living life for today — not tomorrow, not next year, or 10 years from now, but simply today. That is the only place I have found true joy to seep into my heart and peace flood my being. As God said to Moses thousands of years ago, "I AM that I AM." Even back then God's people found Him to be faithful when they would simply live in the moment! You know what I really like about that? Moments make up years, and eventually those moments on earth will have passed and we will live in exuberant joy in the very presence of the One who made us to worship Him eternally!
The afternoon passed swiftly with various meetings. Those turned out to be more opportunities of embracing life, to be the one representing our home instead of sitting back and listening to Daniel. It was good, but by supper time I was ready to sit down in the front yard with the children and unwind with Miss Lehman's delicious supper she so graciously brought for us. The chicken bacon ranch casserole was tops, as were the blueberry muffins and tapioca with diced oranges.
Even after the chores were done, the sheep pen moved, and supper eaten, I felt like I needed to air out some more.
"Let's go on a drive with Sapphire!" I posed.
No one needed convincing. Everyone chipped in with the dishes.
By 6:30 we were clipping down the blacktop road with our open wagon and our Standardbred mare. Several of my nephews followed with Grandpa's golf cart that maxes out at 22 miles per hour. When they passed us, the children on board had their competitive spirits come to life — needless to say, from time to time there were choruses of young voices cheering, "Come on Sapphire, you can do it, good girl, Sapphire!"
On a flat stretch we took the chance. To the delight of all on the wagon, we inched our way up and passed. When we pulled in at Grandpa's, I turned to the one who had been driving the golf cart and with an all-in-fun grin told him I wouldn't say how much fun that was for us! Why does everyone like to win, anyway?
The evening was topped off with s'mores around the fire at Grandpa's and another ride home before dark. Again it was bedtime at the Yoders. Another day was through. Moments had filled up March 19th, and for 2026 it would be gone for good. What is done for Christ will last; what is sought for myself has vanished.
Take a moment to make this three-layer grape jello dessert we had on our wedding day. The clear stem bowls with jello were placed over the tables and passed with dessert. Separate ones were made in goblets for those of us at the bridal table.
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