Dinner Guests

On Tuesday night, Aaron and I had Dr. Albert Mohler, his wife Mary, and their son Christopher over for dinner. The first response most people gave me when I told them that we were planning to have them over was, “WHY??”… to which I’ve replied, “Why NOT?” I wonder how many “normal” people invite them over for dinner? Probably not many. Aaron’s gotten together privately with Dr. Mohler a number of times since he came to Boyce college, and I’ve been in a Seminary Wives Institute class taught by Mrs. Mohler, so we knew them a little bit already. The class I took with her was actually called, “The Ministry of Hospitality” (which I absolutely LOVED… if you’re a seminary wife here in Louisville I HIGHLY recommend that you take it while you have the opportunity!) …so I was partly nervous just because I know that SHE knows that I was taught proper etiquette and manners in her class, which means it would be all the worse if I botched anything up. I know, I know, they are just people and it was ridiculous to get nervous over such a silly thing, but I must admit those unwelcome thoughts were lurking in the back of my mind.

I think the most nerve-wracking part about having them over was the few minutes just before they arrived, and the few moments just after they got here. It was just a last minute panic of “I know they are just people… but…. it’s Dr. Mohler!” It was not long at all before they put us at ease… both Dr. and Mrs. Mohler are so warm and gracious that it was only a matter of minutes before all of my nervousness was forgotten. When they sat down at the table, and Mrs. Mohler unfolded her napkin she winked at me and said, “who taught you how to fold napkins like this?”…. of course I learned fancy napkin folding in her hospitality class, so I smiled and said, “… that would be you!”

I really enjoyed getting to visit with them as real people rather than as a lofty theologian and president of Southern Seminary. It was neat to observe their personal family dynamics, quirks, and quiet jokes and to hear about their family vacations and experiences. We talked about how they met, their early married life (did you know that they used to live in FULLER apartments on campus??)… their families growing up… nothing very deep or theological. I was glad to get to know them on a more personal level.

The meal I cooked turned out well…. even the mashed potatoes. I usually make my mashed potatoes with lots of garlic, but I was informed prior to them coming that Dr. Mohler does not eat garlic, so I had to get creative and come up with an alternative way to make them tasty. I was relieved they turned out well despite having a crimp put in my style! :o) Dr. Mohler asked for seconds of everything, so the meal must have been a decent success! :o) He asked, "WHAT is IN these potatoes? They are phenomenal"... I just told him "everything NOT fat-free... I don't believe in cooking light"

For someone who regularly eats at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and other fancy restaurants, I was relieved and delighted that he thought my cooking was good :o) I had some pretty high competition!

The menu was:

• Chicken Rollatini with creamy wine sauce
• Mashed Potatoes
• Green beans (our family’s special recipe)
• “Mother’s Great Buns”
• Diet Coke (Dr. Mohler’s favorite… a sure way to make him feel at home!)

I made our favorite chocolate mousse with home-made whipped cream and raspberry sauce for dessert and it was quite tasty if I may say so myself!

If you’d like the recipes for any of these dishes, email me: jenmliss@gmail.com and I would be happy to send them to you! None of them are difficult to make… I don’t believe in slaving away in a kitchen all day.

And, by the way, if you’ve read this far into my blog post and DON’T know who Dr. Albert Mohler is, you can check out his website and radio program at:

http://www.albertmohler.com

All in all, having the Mohler family over for dinner was a great experience that we will remember for a lifetime. How many people get to have two hours of private conversation with the president of Southern Seminary?

You should have them over sometime!