Piper loves to cook in the kitchen, so we let her do things within her ability: cracking the eggs, stirring things in the pan, pouring ingredients into bowls– just anything that she can handle. Recently, I’ve tried new sourdough discard cookie recipes that are so delicious, but they require a few extra steps to make them all the more delicious, like browning the butter, sifting the flour, and chilling the dough before putting them in the oven. They come out so warm and yummy that the extra steps seem worth it.

Last week, I had some sourdough discard to use, so I decided to make them. I started the process while Piper was watching a movie. She came in at the tail end of putting the batter together, so she probably only put in the last of the dry ingredients and chocolate chips; there wasn’t too much to do before putting it in the fridge other than letting her sneak a taste.

Growing up, I knew my dad was proud of me. Dance recitals, school awards ceremonies, you name it– my dad was either out in the audience or waiting in the wings with tears in his eyes. But nothing was more sure to make my dad well up more than seeing me or my brother do something in the church. Getting baptized? Leading worship? Forget it; he was sure to be a puddle wherever he was standing.

And there are some moments in life where pride is permissible: when it swells in you because of an achievement, or because of a close relationship. Feeling a deep satisfaction at a success or at watching someone you love excel at what they love is a positive thing. It’s one of life’s joys.