Big Ken

The big guy had been around for decades, In fact, I can’t remember a time when he was not around. Big Ken More had become like a member of the family. For $500 my family purchased big Ken back when I was still wearing Garanimals (I was always a husky). Big Ken was our microwave oven. Of course, by today’s standards he was not “micro” in any way...he was huge. Big Ken had the volume of 36” television and weighed even more! We knew we had a good one because the lights in the house would flinch, surrendering their power, whenever the big KEN MORE surged with power. Ken was a man’s oven in every way...big handle, big numbers, big sound. And he proved to have staying power. Big Ken endured with patience as we mere mortals learned how to use such a powerful machine. Big Ken reigned for more than three decades- in three different houses, during the administrations of five presidents.

This week I got the call. Big Ken flipped his final breaker. But, being the machine he was, Ken went out with class. After warming up the last item on Thanksgiving Day and without forewarning but with a victorious roar, pop, and sizzle, big Ken More said goodbye. His work was done. (What better day to go out for a kitchen appliance than after Thanksgiving). My Dad assures me that he did all he could for Big Ken, but it was time. And so Ken was unplugged and replaced. (By one of those new fancy little sissy ovens that can warm your coffee but has nowhere near the breaker tripping moxy of a big Ken. But I’m a little bias.)

Material things come and go. They come, they rust and they wear out. Even the good ones. This time of year, rich with tradition, provides us the opportunity to refocus on that which matters ultimately- our faith in God, our family, our future. Today I was encouraged by this promise to us as followers of Jesus. God “has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade...” (1 Peter 1:3b-4).

Lord Jesus, help us this Christmas season to be sure to focus on what matters ultimately, which certainly are not the things that come in bubble wrap and a sealed box. Amen.