We all know the process of chopping an onion well at least those that cook. It is uncomfortable with how it stings and discomforts your eyes.Yet think of how flavored the meal gets when we do add those chopped onions. Well this year God has certainly been peeling off layers of my heart I wasn’t expecting all during the process of serving others. I didn’t list resolutions but my prayer was to just be consistent in going to small group and receiving discipleship. Sounds simple right? Not really with my history I’d join one show up once and never even get to know my leaders
One day however a couple shoutout to Jackson’s! watered a thought In me. They had me over for a random spontaneous Tuesday dinner. They inspired me in how they cooked, laughed, cried, debated music and shared there story with me. It became clear to me you can be the same room with someone for years and not know them but call them family? What?. It occurred to me why am I not sharing this with colleges students who are away from home or looking to building relationships. Brought to the attention of the campus minister/friend. Even as I talked to him I was finding reason to talk myself out like what about work, budget, and safety hazards?
I just couldn’t stop envisioning students learning and growing together in the kitchen. Biggest catch it was a weekly basis so that’s where consistency came again. Say it with me! Simple obedience changes you and the world around you. Once the cooking nights began it blew my expectations. New students came every week, students stayed and lingered for hours, a Christian fashion line formed in a conversation those nights, local church moms came to inspire faith&share international cuisines, students even worshipped.
As I chopped and peeled vegetables during these nights so were there lies been cut off of me. I reflected on my dream one night of what it would be like to have a my own house. Where students cook, family holiday parties happen, and couples gather for game nights. I found healing in the thought of that dream being far fetched or failing to deserve someone who would support my vision. It shook me as I cried God why should I ever have to be afraid of you giving me someone who would leave me, get tired of me, or abandon me because of my dream? Surely you understand me God and will provide me with a spouse to form a family that is on that same mission of loving with compassion and not fear.
God also taught me in my shopping moments for the week of not relying on my own strength or creativity. I’d walk the aisles and ask God in my heart show me where to go. Doing that lead me to better prices and deals. So as you can imagine layers of doubt, fear, worry and self reliance needed to get taken off. It was painful I cried and cried more times than I can count. However I now feel seasoned in my faith and so do the students of George Mason while gain cooking skills and love for fellowship.
Here are some pictures below of some great Kodak moments with these awesome world changers!! 🌎
