Life Lessons from a Toaster
This morning, as I stood in the kitchen making breakfast, I found myself staring at my toaster. Its buttons read: keep warm, bagel, defrost, cancel. The knob that sets the level of intensity is missing. And just like that, my mind flashed to relationships.
Life is a journey of learning until our last breath, and sometimes even the smallest things remind us of that. This toaster, for example, feels like a symbol of different stages of life.
When I was younger—in college—I often rode my bike down to the bagel shop. The bagel button brings me right back to those days, and how certain foods, places, or people can anchor us in memory.
The keep warm button makes me think of relationships—friendships, romances, professional ties, and family. Over time, we drift in and out of touch, but sometimes warmth remains. A quiet ember that reconnects us when the time is right.
Then there’s defrost. Life has moments when something frozen—an old dream, a relationship, even a part of ourselves—begins to thaw. Defrost is patience, the slow work of softening what has been on hold until it’s ready to come alive again.
And then there’s cancel. There are people and connections that, for one reason or another, we have to let go of. Sometimes the bridge needs to be closed. Other times, the door opens again, and we’re invited to step back in. Cancel doesn’t always mean “forever.”
It’s funny how a simple toaster can stir up such thoughts. I’m grateful for these reminders—the way both living and nonliving things can reflect back pieces of life and wisdom, if we’re willing to notice.
Later this morning, I’ll be hosting a women’s circle up on the land. Seven women, gathering just as they are—with all the shifting and spinning in their hearts and minds. Our intention is simple: to sit together in support, in friendship, and to let the morning unfold.
Whatever you are doing today, I hope you find some peace. And even if your toaster (or your life) is missing its control knob, remember—nature is always there, welcoming you in. Both the nature around you, and the nature within you.
