Like many people, I bought an air fryer within the past year. I’ve used it primarily to cook chicken thighs, chicken wings, and hamburgers, but I recently learned its value in reheating foods.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a grocery store at one of the busiest times—after church on Sunday. I bought a container of cold fried chicken in the deli because the line of people waiting for hot food was too long. “I’ll just reheat it,” I muttered.

Later on I did reheat two pieces of chicken in the microwave. That’s what a microwave is for, right? The formerly crispy skin was lackluster at best and not worth eating. The chicken itself tasted okay.

A day later I decided to heat a wing and a leg in my air fryer. After eight minutes I opened the drawer to find crispy, sizzling, appetizing chicken. It looked so much better than it did the day I bought it! It even tasted juicier and more flavorful than before.

The next morning, my first glance in my bathroom mirror compelled me to wish for a human air fryer I could step into, coffee in hand, and sit for eight minutes. I would then step out completely rejuvenated inside and out. Instead, I must use makeup and hair gel in an attempt to appear to be rejuvenated.

Considering how circulating hot air improved not just the outside but also the inside of my chicken inspired further reflection. According to Isaiah 42:5, “This is what God the Lord says—the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.”

In the same vein, Job 33:4 says, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Regardless of how I look on the outside, I have the breath of God, Creator of the universe, in my lungs and oxygenating my blood.

When I’m experiencing physical effects of extreme stress, I’ve learned to stop and take slow deep breaths. If I focus only on my breathing for a few minutes, I’ll calm down and regain my ability to focus.

These past few months I’ve experienced creativity-squashing work-related stress. Now, since my air fryer revelation, I’ve decided to focus on God’s breath filling my lungs whenever stress threatens to send me over the edge. I thank Him and imagine each deep inhale filling my lungs with His power and peace.

I feel this breath rejuvenating me on the inside as blood carries God’s breath throughout my body. I am reminded that I’m not alone, and I’m not defeated.

Being relaxed and full of gratitude for my merciful Creator improves my appearance, as well. A relaxed face wearing a smile and sporting joy-filled eyes needs no improvement. So, instead of wishing for a human air fryer, I can experience rejuvenating effects from spending time reading about how much my God cares for me in His holy word.