My Life is My Message
Meredith at Sweetness and Light is hosting the first of many Loveliness Fairs to be held throughout the year. Elegant Simplicity in the Kitchen is the first installment and is shaping up to be a real treat. Now, my own kitchen is in need of renovating so I really didn’t think I would have anything to contribute until I read a definition of Elegant Simplicity that gave me pause.
“[Elegant] Simplicity means that the way we live our lives represents a work of unfolding artistry. As Gandhi said, ‘My life is my message.’ “
That definition really clicked with me. Our life, the way we live it, and the way others see and understand it, is a message - it’s our message to the world - and unless we are purposeful about it, we could be inadvertently sending a message we don’t intend.
So what does that have to do with my kitchen? Well, in reflecting on it further, I realized that despite its need of renovating, my kitchen, indeed my home, truly is part of the message of my life and its “work of unfolding artistry”. So I took a good look around and realized that maybe I did have something to share.
What does elegant simplicity in my kitchen look like? Practically speaking, it’s the plain white stoneware dishes chosen specifically for their simplicity, durability, and adaptability to holidays and seasons. It’s the plain white cabinets, counter tops, and walls not chosen specifically but already part of the kitchen when we “chose” this house. Truthfully, I haven’t liked them for some time now but I am looking at them differently lately and remembering how blessed we were to be able to buy this house, even with all its defects.
Elegant simplicity is the small but beautiful painting that hangs on the wall above my favorite teapots. Purchased at a yard sale several years ago for just a dollar, it gives me pleasure every time I look at it and brings beauty and color to the stark white walls around it. It’s the stool purchased many years ago (at least 20) that has been recovered countless times - and again just recently - that offers a comfortable perch to sip coffee or help mix a batch of cookies. It’s the curtains, handmade and hung with care, floating in the breeze adding color and loveliness with their gauzy flowery print. It’s the tiny plants on the windowsill, green and yellow, given to me by my mom when she moved recently, creeping over the edge of their pots and adding cheer in the way only a living thing can.
Yet. . . beyond the practical aspects, I had to wonder, what message does my kitchen convey? The fingerprints on the refrigerator and back door clearly show that children live here and the fact that those prints aren’t quickly wiped away hopefully sends the message that people, especially little people, are more important than keeping everything sparkling clean. The abundance of bread and baked goods on the counter top says that a big family lives here and that the generosity of a friend who owns a local bakery means we enjoy plenty. The teapot and cups say that friends are welcome and a fresh pot is only minutes away for whoever stops by to visit.
But most of all I hope my kitchen sends a message of peace and welcome, service and love. To my friends, yes, but particularly to my family. To my husband whom I love dearly and to our children who are positively precious to us. Filled with gratitude, I thank God every day for His abundant blessings and the small yet poignant message of elegant simplicity that causes me to reflect on what’s truly important.
[Stay tuned for more Loveliness Fairs throughout the year. I'll be hosting the
The Loveliness of Autumn October 2nd. Be sure to stop by!]
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Aug 14, 2006 - 02:08:44Your kitchen sounds very homey, a joy to be in, and a very welcoming place. Beautifully written, Michelle!
This is very inspirational, Michelle — full of grace and wisdom! Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into the heart of your family and the heart of your home. The simple touches of hospitality and love that you describe capture very well the essence of living as Christ calls us to in our state of life! Thanks again for sharing!!!
What a wonderful description of what message our kitchens should give. I like the sounds of yours…thanks for the inspiring post.
Absolutely beautiful!
Shell….Loved the post ~ but would like to add the beautiful touch of the lovely border that surrounds the top of your kitchen wall like a border of love hung with care by your two loving sisters.
(((wink)))
[One \"L\" in Shel sweetie (remember I even fixed it in your e-mail address book?) and yes, you are right, my kitchen border was indeed hung with care by my two dear sisters who came to help me set us house when we had just moved in here and I was 8 months pregnant with Peter. I didn\'t mention the border because it\'s starting to peel off and will be taken down when we paint the walls soon. Your\'e welcome to come and help anytime
Love ya lots! --Shel]