There’s something about slow cooking that makes me reflect on life in a way that rushed meals never do. Maybe it’s the process…The waiting, the stirring, the low and steady simmer that creates space for my thoughts to settle.
As I began preparing this French Onion Pot Roast, I felt the Lord whisper an invitation to slow down, to embrace the work of my hands, and to simply be present.
I’ll be honest, there are days when I wrestle with the call to be a homemaker. The world often glorifies productivity in a way that can make slow, unseen work feel insignificant. “Maybe I should be doing more,” I sometimes think. A corporate job? A busier schedule? Something that looks more like success? But the Lord, in His sweet and steady way, reminds me that there is beauty in the work He has given me.
This season of being home, of creating meals, of having time to pray over my family, it’s not small. It’s not wasted. In fact, it’s deeply important. And as I stood over the stove caramelizing onions, their rich aroma filling the kitchen, I realized how God sees even the hidden, ordinary moments.
God in the Slow Moments
So often, I think about Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. Martha was busy, working hard to serve, while Mary simply sat at Jesus’ feet. When Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her, He replied:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42, ESV)
It’s not that work isn’t important, after all, meals need to be cooked, homes need to be cared for, but the heart posture matters. Am I rushing through my days, anxious and burdened, or am I choosing to be fully present in what God has placed before me?
That day in the kitchen, I decided to choose presence. Instead of rushing through meal prep, I slowed down. I took in the golden color of the onions as they softened, the way the beef sizzled as it seared, the rich, savory scent of broth as it simmered. And as I cooked, God brought people to mind, family members, friends, even those I hadn’t spoken to in a while.
So I prayed. I prayed as I stirred. I prayed as I waited. And in doing so, I was reminded: God sees us. He is with us. And He cares for us far more than we realize.
An Invitation to Slow Down
I know how easy it is to get caught up in doing, in accomplishing, in feeling like we need to prove our worth. But today, I want to invite you to embrace the slow moments, the ones that feel small but are actually shaping us.
When you cook a meal, take it as an opportunity to pray. Ask the Lord to place someone on your heart to intercede for.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by expectations, take a step back. Ask God where He wants your focus to be.
Trust that your work—no matter how unseen—is meaningful. Whether you’re caring for your home, raising children, working a job, or serving in ministry, know that faithfulness in the small things matters to God.
Cooking this pot roast became more than just making dinner. It was a time of communion with the Lord, a reminder to embrace the present, and an act of love for those I’m called to care for. And now, I want to share it with you.
French Onion Pot Roast (Dutch Oven Recipe)

This French Onion Pot Roast is slow-cooked to perfection, delivering deep, savory flavors with tender beef and caramelized onions. It’s a meal that invites patience, warmth, and comfort. Perfect for a Sunday dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
3–4 lb chuck roast
3 tbsp olive oil
5 large carrots , peeled
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white wine (or beef broth for non-alcoholic option)
3 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Toasted baguette slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Sear the roast: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the roast with salt and pepper, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize the onions: Lower the heat to medium, add butter and onions, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in white wine (or extra beef broth), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Slow cook: Return the roast to the Dutch oven. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and carrots. Cover and transfer to the oven.
Braise: Cook for 3–4 hours, basting occasionally, until the roast is fork-tender and the carrots are soft.
Serve: Remove the roast and shred or slice. Serve with the caramelized onions, carrots, and broth over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.
Final Thoughts
As this pot roast slowly simmers, it’s a reminder that good things take time. Just like this meal, God is working in us—steadily, intentionally, and with care.
Where is He asking you to slow down today? Maybe it’s in the way you prepare a meal, how you spend time with your family, or even in the way you approach your work. Wherever you are, trust that He is present, moving, and working, even in the quiet, unseen moments.
Let’s choose to embrace them.
I’d love to hear how has God been speaking to you in the slow moments lately? Let’s encourage one another in the comments.
This was such an amazing read. As a single parent I definitely feel myself always on the go & worrying about the day or what’s the next. Thank You Alexis for this article and I can’t wait to try this pot roast recipe.