Cooking with Gas
One of my husband’s caregivers and I were dealing with a difficult situation. When we finally had everything working well, she said, “Now we’re cooking with gas!” That was a new expression for me.
This saying originated when gas stoves began replacing wood burning stoves.
My caregiver friend explained that gas stoves were considered a wonderful invention. Although wood burning stoves made delicious meals, they required hours of work.
- Chopping wood
- Starting a fire
- Deciding when to start cooking
- Wiping sweat during hot summer months
- Cleaning ashes from the stove after cooking
Plus, cooking temperatures were hard to control.
Gas stoves were easier to use and resulted in fewer mistakes.
Cooks were more likely to achieve the results they desired. My mom loved her gas stove.
Cooking with gas means we achieve success.
Like a cook who prepares a gourmet meal or bakes a perfect cake, we get something right.
We successfully:
- Solve a problem.
- Correct an error.
- Receive a promotion.
We do our work well.
If we are cooking with gas, people may think we work wonders.
Whether we create perfect meals or the perfect ball team, those who share our success love it.
Whatever we do, let’s encourage one another to do our best.
If we want to take the cake, we can’t use half-baked ideas. Neither can we do half-baked work.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8 NIV).
Thanks to J.D. Wininger and Rita Smalley for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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4 thoughts on “Cooking with Gas”
Have used this phrase for many years Ms. Diana. My adopted dad, from New England, used it with me whenever he was encouraging me to stay on the right path. He owned a Texaco station and started teaching me auto repair. I enjoyed learning and loved how he would take time to patiently walk me through some new repair or task. I can still feel him placing an arm on my shoulder, smile with that little gapped tooth grin he had, and proclaim, “Now, we’re cooking with gas! You’ve got on top of it now.” He had a way that made me want to learn. By sixteen, I had become NIASE certified.
I like to think that God gives us that same encouragement when He sees us beginning to apply His word in our lives.
This is a terrific explanation of the origin of this phrase, Diana. I’m so grateful to J. D. and Rita for the suggestion. Blessings always!
I’ve never heard this one before!
I’ve never heard of this one either. My dad and grandparents were from New England, too, but they never said it. Another good one, Diana!