My Kitchen

Do you know how much time I spend in my kitchen? It seems like that is where the majority of my day is spent. Just as soon as one meal is over, the next one is up, or the dishwasher needs to be emptied. I'm not complaining; I really don't mind it all that much. It's just a large part of every day life. When people ask what has been going on, I want to have something new and exciting to say. But, in truth, the majority of what has been going on is cleaning the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher, preparing a meal, eating the meal, cleaning the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher, preparing a meal...you get the picture. So, all of the exciting events that take place happen in between those tasks.

I remember my sister-in-law used to always have Bible verses that sat in the window above her kitchen sink. For a long time, she had a notecard that said, "Pray First." Before I had children, I used to look at those and think that she had found a nice display spot. But, now I get it. Raising her three children, that's where she was all the time. She's twelve years older than I am, so she lived this stage before me. She got it--if there was something that she wanted to ingrain into her head and heart, the best place to have a reminder would be the place where she spent the most time.

All of this inspires me to make that time--that large chunk of my time--that time where mental grumbling comes easily--to count in some way. Instead of using it just lost in thought, maybe I could memorize some scripture, pray for my husband, or sing with my children. And, most of all, maybe I need to look at that aspect of my days differently. Serving my family is what I want to be doing--my greatest joy. Having meals together as a family, in truth, is the most special part of life...why would I think that excitement only happens outside of that? Because it's more interesting to tell people?

Don't get me wrong...I have a wonderful life... full of fun activities, great experiences and family and friends that I love...but most of the time I'm right here doing KP duty. And do you know what? Now that I think about it, there's no place that I would rather be.....except maybe New York City!