Most of us have been there: standing, waiting, being uncomfortably hot and making awkward eye contact, all the while over-thinking big life decisions like weekend plans and homework procrastination.
Yes, I am talking about the solitary toaster in Aramark. Well, actually, the two lone functioning slots in the one toaster in Aramark.
I do not want to sound like I am complaining. The way I see it, the toaster is a blessing.
1) I have made countless friends at the toaster. Getting toast on Sundays after church is fellowship, the college student version of a Sunday potluck. Having one toaster forces me to engage with others I would normally not.
2) I am learning not to judge.
“Jelly, really? Cream cheese with that? Sweats? I guess we know you skipped church this morning.”
Waiting for toast has taught me that we are all human and no one is perfect. If I feel judged for wearing running shorts and a hoodie to breakfast on Sunday, others most likely are too. The girl or guy actually dressed in non-lounge clothes on a Saturday may have plans more exciting than writing a 10-page paper. Who knows? The toaster reminds me of Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Sure it’s just toast, but Christ is the bread of life.
3) Love is patient. Love is kind. Love allows others to get away with skipping you in line. Having only one toaster, two slots, in Aramark is showing me I am a rotten sinner (and often a hungry one). Every morning when I get toast, I am reminded of how much more I have to learn about the Lord’s love for us.
4) According to a BuzzFeed quiz I took, I am going to meet my significant other in a line. The toaster gives me hope I will find a husband. Moreover, the toaster allows me a chance at ringing by spring.
5) My prayer life has greatly increased, along with my prayers for divine intervention. When I get to Aramark at 8:40 am, before my 9:00 in Calkins, my prayers are constant and powerful. It’s then as I wait and my empty stomach feels like it’s doing a routine at the Olympics when I feel close to the Lord. As I wait for other students’ bread to toast, I often meditate on Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Jesus once said, “Give us this day our daily bread” Notice toasted or non-toasted was never specified. We may want toast, but we need Christ.
Drew says
People gather around to feed on the Bread of Life together, so it only seems natural that a community would develop around a toaster!