I know what you’re thinking, a woman who loves the kitchen, how stereotypical. How just womanly of her. And don’t you worry, I did consider this fact. I contemplated the title.
But, I couldn’t think of a better way to put it, so here we go. I love the kitchen. Why you may ask?
Because it reminds me of Jesus.
A kitchen is a welcoming room full of life. It is a place of community- the best conversations happen over making food, preparing a meal, or just standing around drinking coffee over the counter.
A kitchen is life-giving, a place where needs are met.
Where people come together with a common goal that not only nourishes the body, but
sustains life. The kitchen is merciful, the kitchen is plenty. In the kitchen where we stay, there are 30 + children served each day. The pots and pans are huge, and the three-burner stove serves them well. Some of these children may not receive another meal, some travel up a very large hill just to be a part of the community and the meals here. this kitchen provides literal life to many people each day.
Think of the kitchen in your own home. How much food comes in and out of there? How much does it provide you?
More than enough? Just enough? There is always something to be had there.
Each kitchen around the world has looked different. Some with more than enough food, some with hardly any. But, each a place where life can be had and met.
No matter where you stand, what is in your past, where your sins lie, the Kitchen is there to provide you food. It does not discriminate or keep of record of all your wrongs that might keep you from being provided life that day.
It sits and waits for you to use it and be full again.
Some mornings or late nights, I sit at the counter in the kitchen where we live. I usually spend some time with the Lord or just sit and drink a cup of coffee, and I am reminded of how much this kitchen reflects Him.
When we are searching for nourishment, something to sustain us, we go to the kitchen.
When we are searching for the same, we run to the Lord.
He fills us up, as our stomachs are filled, with goodness and plenty. He gives us life when we need it the most and provides community where fellow believers can dwell together.
When we are looking for mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, He provides just that.
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, His mercy is giving himself for us.”
Psalms 103:8-14
Next time you’re in the kitchen-look around. There may be so much more to find there.
Who knows, maybe you’ll find Him.
And you’ll come to love the kitchen too.
Or maybe you’ll find some rad food there.
Anything can happen.
Here is my teammate Kayla giving a tour of our kitchen here in Colombia.
