Can you imagine a recipe that doesn’t involve food but fills you up more than any meal ever could? I can, and it’s my favorite one – The Recipe for a Happy Family! It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, transcending cultures, religions, and geographical boundaries. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a set of guidelines that have the power to transform our lives and bring joy and harmony to our families. This recipe comprises simple yet profound ingredients like love, prayer, understanding, and patience, each playing an essential role in creating a happy and thriving family environment. And just like every recipe, it’s the quality of the ingredients and the way we mix them that makes all the difference. That’s why I adore this recipe – it’s a beautiful reminder of what truly matters in life.
Ingredients
- 1 Husband
- 1 Wife
- Children; 1 Bible for each
- 1 Home
- generous portions of Prayer
- 3 c. Love, firmly packed
- 1 pkg. Work
- 1 pkg. Playing Together
- 1 portion Patience
- 1 portion Understanding
- 1 small Paddle
- 1 c. Kisses
Mixing Instructions
- Mix moderately and sprinkle with awareness.
- Bake in moderate oven of everyday life, using as fuel all grudges and past unpleasantness.
- Cool.
- Turn out onto platter of cheerfulness. Garnish with tears and laughter in large helpings.
- Serve God, country and community.
Calorie: 0
Total cooking time: Lifetime
Difficulty level: Moderate

Recipe for A Happy Family: A Culinary Chronicle
A Shopping List Like No Other
I was at the store, list in hand, and let me tell you, I got some funny looks. You see, my ingredients weren’t your typical tomatoes, chicken breasts or a box of pasta. No, I was shopping for a Recipe for a Happy Family. Of course, I got some confused looks when I asked a bewildered store clerk where to find a “firmly packed 3 cups of Love.”
Mixing it Up
Back in my kitchen, I began to assemble my ingredients. First, a Husband and a Wife – easy enough, I had those on hand. Added to the mix, Children – a touch noisy, but I find they add a nice zest to the recipe.
Next, the Love. Now, pouring Love isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s a bit like trying to measure a cloud, or nail Jello to a tree. But I managed to firmly pack in 3 cups of it. I also added generous portions of Prayer, a package of Work and an equal amount of Playing Together.
I looked at my mixing bowl, now filled with an odd, but heartwarming mix. I then realized I had forgotten two key ingredients: one portion Patience and one portion Understanding. I added those in, though I wish the recipe had called for “extra large portions” of these two, especially when dealing with the Children.
Baking in the Oven of Life
With everything mixed together, I was ready to bake it in the moderate oven of everyday life. The fuel for this bake? All grudges and past unpleasantness. It’s a little like throwing your ex’s belongings onto a bonfire, but somehow more satisfying.
Cooling and Turning Out
Once baked, I let it cool. I’ve been burned before, both literally and metaphorically, so I know the importance of this step. Then came the tricky part – turning it onto the platter of cheerfulness. I’ve flipped pancakes, but this was a whole different ball game.
Garnishing With Emotions
The final step was to garnish with tears and laughter in large helpings. Luckily, both of these ingredients are readily available in my kitchen. I find that the Children especially are excellent providers of both.
Serving the Recipe
The end result? A dish served to God, country and community. It’s a lot like bringing a casserole to a potluck, but instead of Aunt Mildred commenting on your seasoning, you have the Big Man Upstairs giving it a taste. No pressure, right?
The Secret Ingredient
Almost forgot! One cup of Kisses. This ingredient wasn’t in the original recipe, but I’ve found it to be a crucial addition. It’s a bit like adding chocolate chips to a cookie recipe – not strictly necessary, but oh-so delightful!
A Recipe Worth Sharing
So there you have it, folks. My attempt at preparing the Recipe for a Happy Family. It’s been quite the journey – from confused store clerks to emotional garnishes. But in the end, I must say, it’s a dish worth making. A little love, a little patience, and a whole lot of humor makes for a recipe that’s sure to bring a smile (and maybe a few tears) to your face.