The other day, I was grilling out on the back deck. The contractor working on our kitchen had just left, Kara was sitting in the breakfast room, and the sun was fighting its way through the overcast clouds. All was quiet and a wave of peaceful contentment washed over me. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and whispered “Thank you God, you sure do spoil us”
If you know us, you know that we love to cook. If we’ve had you over, then that means we’ve cooked for you. It’s how we show our love and gratitude. We’re now in the midst of a kitchen remodel. It’s almost done now. We are inching towards the finish line and we’re both very excited. What struck me in that moment the other day, was the significance of having a new kitchen and what it truly meant to us.
For some, a kitchen is a tool used for preparing meals. A means to an end. Some people don’t mind being in the kitchen, and some people HATE being in the kitchen. For us, the kitchen is sacred. The kitchen is where we fell in love. The first thing I did to impress Kara was cook for her. And I still remember when she showed up at my apartment with a slice of cheesecake, i.e., the quickest way to my heart. We quickly recognized our mutual love for cooking and that base gave us something to cling to as we grew to love each other. And today (if I may brag) no one will deny that we are a powerhouse team in the kitchen. It is our happy place.
Time in the kitchen gives us joy. It breathes life into each of us as we work side by side to create something we can share together, or with others. The kitchen is where we feel harmonious and in tune with one another. Where we connect and feel loved. And as frustrating as home projects could be, I couldn’t help but smile in the revelation that God gave me in that moment. Our marriage has been nitpicky lately (couples who have done home projects together are silently nodding in agreement). And this kitchen almost feels like a gift. Sure, we’re paying for it…but it’s what is at the finish line that means so much. I can’t wait to jump in our new kitchen and start cooking things up again with my best friend. And I thank God for that moment of clarity, for without it…one can quickly become lost amongst the shuffle of life’s burdens.
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