Settling for the Kitchen?

by Michele Husfelt

When we were stationed in Ohio, I was part of a small Bible study at our chapel. There were only five or six of us, and every week we met in the kitchen. It was a very basic space, just a few tables and chairs, barely decorated, and nothing special. But it worked, and we really enjoyed our time together. Honestly, we didn’t think much about it. It was just an adequate place to meet.

One day, a woman who had been at the chapel for many years came in and saw us gathered there. She asked why we weren’t meeting in the lounge. I remember looking at her, a little confused, and saying, “I didn’t know there was a lounge.” She smiled and said, “Come with me.” She took me down the hallway and opened a door I had somehow never noticed before.

Inside was a beautiful room. It was warm and inviting, with comfortable couches and thoughtful decorations. It felt peaceful, like a place you would long to sit and linger, a welcoming space to take part in meaningful and transformational conversations with friends you’d come to love and care for. I remember thinking how we'd been meeting for over a year in that plain kitchen, and this beautiful lounge had been here the whole time. Just down the hallway.

That moment has stayed with me, not because of the room itself, but because of what it reminded me of. How often do we settle for mediocrity with Jesus? We settle into what’s familiar. Even if it feels a little dry or plain, it’s what we know, so we stay there. We read our Bibles, pray, and show up, but maybe we’re just going through the motions a bit. And we don’t even realize there’s something more.

All the while, Jesus has something deeper and more beautiful for us. Something more restful, more full, more life-giving. Maybe the “lounge” for you is spending more quiet time with Him. Maybe it’s opening up more in community. Maybe it’s trusting Him with something you’ve been holding onto. Whatever it is, there is more of His presence available than we often realize.

Maybe today, Jesus is gently saying, “Come with me. Let me show you something more.” You don’t have to stay in the sparse places. There is something beautiful waiting for you. And it might be closer than you think, just down the hallway.”

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10 that He has come to give us life abundantly and fully. He never intended for us to live our faith in survival mode. He invites us into fullness, into closeness with Him, into a life marked by peace and purpose.

Sometimes we settle without realizing it, but His invitation is always there. He gently leads us toward more of Him, more of His presence, more of His goodness. The question is not whether He is offering it, but whether we are willing to follow Him out of the kitchen and down the hallway, into an abundant life.

Lord, thank You that You always have more for me than I can see. Forgive me for the times I settle for what is familiar instead of seeking what You are offering. Help me to trust You and to follow where You lead, even when it feels new or unknown. Open my eyes to the places where You are inviting me deeper. I want more of You, Lord. Amen.