Embracing grace and my sourdough journey

Are you someone who names their sourdough starter? I was on the fence for a long time and finally decided on a name. Which may sound weird, especially since I have two different kinds of starters. Ironically, I decided to name both my traditional sourdough starter and my potato flake sourdough starter Bethesda. I was stuck on the “name” and so many people name their starters. I love names with meaning but knowing myself I likely will only have this on their jars. I don’t think I can keep a straight face talking about my starters and call them by their name. The name Bethesda means the “House of Mercy or House of Grace,” I love the reminder of grace, patience, and authenticity. Those are all the foundation of what I want in my faith, my family and in my life. 

When I first started the sourdough journey, I had no idea what I was in for. Like many of you, I’d heard the stories—how starters could be temperamental, how they could be finicky about the temperature or the flour, how they demanded time and attention. As I worked through timing and feeding the starters, I realized something, sourdough like life makes you realize that it’s okay to make mistakes, to have off days, and to give myself—and others—the grace to try again. Some days, she’s bubbly and active, ready to create the perfect recipe. Other days, she’s a little slower, needing extra care and a bit more time, and that’s okay.

Every recipe that comes out of my oven is a little different, and that’s part of the magic. Baking just reminds me to embracing the process, not just the end result. 

In a world that often pushes for perfection, this whole journey reminds me to celebrate the real, the authentic, and the perfectly imperfect. It’s my nudge to live authentically, and that I am not the only one who needs grace. Sometimes it’s my chaotic toddler, sometimes it’s the grumpy old man at the grocery store and that’s ok. 

So here’s the thing, grace doesn’t need to be grand or complicated. It’s in the small moments, the everyday actions. It’s sharing a slightly imperfect loaf with a neighbor, making a new mom some treats to remind her she isn’t alone or in taking a moment to breathe and appreciate the process. It’s a practice in mindfulness, in being present, and in giving myself the space to be real, and as I share with friends, family, and all of you, I hope that your journey along with me can be a reminder to embrace the grace in your life. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, remember that it’s not about perfection. It’s about the journey, the love, and the grace you bring to the journey.