Who is in Your Kitchen?

There are to types of people we are going to in your life: chefs and guests.

I think we all recognize how important it is to be kind to everyone. The golden rule is something most of us grew up hearing, “treat people how you want to be treated.” Not only do we do that, but Jesus did that too. Jesus didn’t turn people away, even if they were beggars, lepers or mean girls who make fun of us when we aren’t around.

The table is a place where every person in your life should be welcomed. As a follower of Christ, as an influencer, it is part of our purpose to to always have chairs available, even when it’s your worst enemy. Guests are people we listen to, we care for and we are always kind to, even when they are unkind to us (like not inviting us to their sleepovers).

The people in our kitchen look a lot different. The chefs are our small circle. These are the people we allow to pour into our lives. The ones we seek advice from, the friends we confide in. We have to be cautious of how much control we give them, because they are the ones effecting us internally, providing growth and fulfillment. They add richness to your life and you are satisfied just being around them.

Reevaluate your circles, your chefs and your guests. Be there for toxic people, be consistently kind, but do not allow them to have control over you. Do not give them the reign to feed you. Do not allow them to tell you who you are or feel obligated to allow them in your personal life. If you do, you may just become toxic or beaten down from the inside out.

“Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers, but most of all, but most of all surround yourself with the ones who see greatness within you even when you don’t see it in yourself.” -Edmund Lee