Day 11 – The Kitchen Sink

The Kitchen Sink has always been a good place for me to think. And somedays the kitchen sink of work that needs doing allows for lots of thoughts and stories to percolate.

This morning I served with the local ministerium association. A group of churches here coordinate together to provide support for those in need of assistance with their water and electricity bills. Story after story, was heart breaking to hear. A woman who recently lost her baby at eight months old in pregnancy – a grandmother with medical needs that just got out of 4 weeks in the hospital – a woman who had her left leg amputated due to complications from diabetes. Going over their financial information and learning how little they have to survive on was eye opening. None were here to scam a system. Each were simply trying to figure out how to keep on living. The financial aid we gave – just $75 per person. That’s it. Not enough to cover the bill but a small contribution towards the whole. And each person was so appreciative. Selma touched my heart when she said, “If I had time to tell you my whole story, you wouldn’t believe it, and if you didn’t believe in God before the story, you would afterwards.” I noted when she was sitting there in her interview that she held an envelope on her lap with a few notes, one that read, “faith over your fears by trusting in God’s faithful promise.” She was living the truth of that story.

The afternoon hours were spent working in the bakery with Geneva. She has served as the lead of that work for 25 years. Washing and Separating blueberries, cutting up squash, washing new jars for the soon to be made jelly and jams, cutting and blanching green beans for the freezer, and more pans and dishes before closing time. Ahh, kitchen sink time.

We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.

Brother Lawrence

I reflected back on my days in seminary. Back then I was hired by Jeanette to assist her in the kitchen. She had me pick up the pastries at 6 am and get the coffee room ready. Then I would show up and assist the final lunch prep before serving and cleaning up. The special events we hosted were always fun and festive. I loved working with Jeanette and serving up the hospitality with her. When she had to go on medical leave with back surgery, she threw me the keys and put me in charge and said have a lot of fun. A little stress is good for you. The name of the kitchen and dining space: Koinonia. I am thankful I experienced that with faculty, staff, classmates, and community members. It’s amazing what you can soak in and dish out in those spaces together.

I was set right for the day while singing this song at morning devos:

Muckaloochee (the river running through this area of GA and named by the Indian tribe who inhabited this land)

On the other side of the Muckaloochee, there’s a land fair and bright. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, the pecans grow real high. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, they study war no more. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, the Holy Spirit soars.

Muckaloochee like the Jordan, cross into another land.

On the other side of the Muckaloochee, you can get rid of your stuff. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, there will be just enough. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, Christ has come to dwell. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, all shall be well.

Muckaloochee like the Jordan, cross into another land.

On the other side of the Muckaloochee, the womb of God is there. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, Come, have no fear. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, race has lost its hold. On the other side of the Muckaloochee, they do what Christ has told.

Muckaloochee like the Jordan, cross into another land. And all the people said, Rah!

Rah indeed.