We have been fortunate to have a constant supply of beef in the freezer for more than a year.
Even though the thermometer’s reading around 104 degrees, we’re planning a little cookout this evening. I’m just back from the freezer to bring in a few more pounds of ground to begin thawing and realized that we’re getting close to being out. I’m not sure how I’ve let this happen but there it is… a few weeks worth of beef left, and the certainty of running out before we process the next batch of steers.
I’m not real sure how we’ll manage in the meantime…
Because it’s really, really cool to have a freezer full of beef.
Here’s 10 reasons why.
1 Simplicity
There is this desire to slow down and live more intentionally.
From the time we wake up until we surrender consciousness to sleep at the end of the day, thousands of decisions are demanded of us. It often feels like there is no break. Some are as seemingly insignificant as will we stop to check the mail. And even then, will we open the electric bill out by the road or wait until another time. Others are more demanding. Like whether or not we will accept a work proposal, or where we will spend Christmas.
Every decision we make takes a certain amount of our available thought energy. As this energy decreases, so does our ability to make good choices. Therefore, we want to save as much energy as possible for the most important decisions. That is why many people are opting to dress the same way every day. It’s just easier. It virtually eliminates the need to shop for clothes, makes laundry less of a hassle, and is one less decision to make.
A freezer full of beef creates simplicity in much the same way. It helps reduce the number of decisions we need to make, so we can focus on other things.
2 Security
Food is one of the basic elements of security, along with clothing and shelter. Not having to wonder where the next meal will come from (especially when the grocery money beats the month to the finish line) gets us at least a third of the way to secure. And for kids who have come from hard places can tell you, opening the freezer and seeing a bunch of beef does something to the soul.
3 Nutrition
Contrary to popular belief, chips and corn dogs don’t lead to peak performance. We need natural food – fruits, vegetables, protein, and ice cream.
All natural grass-fed and finished beef raised right without “just in case” antibiotics or growth hormones is good for us.
4 Peace of mind
I enjoy knowing where our food comes from, how it was produced, and who all was involved in the process. That the food we eat comes from natural processes that build up rather than tear down. That the people involved are ethical and real. I know that there is a story to be told and want to be a part of it. And if I could buy everything I need or my family needs through that grid, I would. And even though I can’t, I do when I can. Grass-fed beef is one thing we can buy like that.
I like knowing that not only do we have enough… but that what we have is quality. That it’s clean. And that every part of the process is net positive.
5 Creativity
While I do love that in a pinch, Base Camp Mac and Cheese or tacos is a short 25 minutes away, there is no end to the ways ground beef can be used. We just have to figure out what we want. If creativity is your game, then a solid stock of ground beef is your perfect pallet. And, if you want to be creative in others ways, Base Camp Mac and Cheese, tacos, fajitas, steaks, or burgers never seem to get old.
6 Savings
While custom beef (like nearly all things custom) may cost a little more than it’s grocery store equivalent (as if there was such a thing as a grocery store equivalent), buying in bulk saves money as compared to buying smaller quantities.
But the real savings are in time, energy, and simplicity.
7 Hospitality
It’s nice to be able to invite friends over and know that there’s enough in the freezer to share.
8 Gratefulness
It’s the expression that transforms all the others. Try it. Just list three of the things you’re grateful for each day. After having a freezer full of beef for a while, I bet the things you are grateful for will more often than not involve beef in one way or another.
9 Learning
From new recipes to perfecting old ones, one thing I’ve learned is that no one in our family gets tired of family dinners that feature beef.
10 Connection
Speaking of family dinner… it’s mostly about the people around the table. Think about the meals that are most memorable to you. What do you remember? Did you have water or Dr. Pepper? If you remember, I doubt it’s why you remember. Think of your favorite Thanksgiving Dinner. I’m sure the food was good and you probably even ate too much of it. But is that why you drove all that way or cleaned up the house for others who were driving all that way? I bet not. Because it’s about the people. The conversations. The games. The laughter. And yes, even identity. The feeling of belonging. Love. And perhaps the pecan pie.
And more than anything else, when I look into my big freezer and see stacks of ground beef, chili meat, steaks, roasts, and briskets, I see connection. Connection with the people I love. Discussing hopes and dreams. Making plans for upcoming expeditions. And making memories that will last a lifetime.