L IFE IS noisy. Something or someone constantly competes for our attention, leaving little space for quiet and contemplation. At home in Los Angeles, Ruslan Kushnir’s mind was saturated with non-stop chatter. Thoughts of everything from his daily routine to self-worth and regrets played like a looped reel until he awoke one morning to total silence.
“As human beings, we always serve someone or something or somebody. Some serve families, some serve countries, and some serve places of work. But not many of us, maybe one out of 1000, are doing what we are here to do. We’re here to serve God, period. When we serve ourselves, eventually, we become very frustrated and unhappy. There’s no happiness in serving ourselves. Mentally and physically, we get worn out, and usually, sooner or later, we end up in a ditch. And this is where I ended up about three years ago,” Kushnir said.
At his wit’s end, he cried out one night toward the heavens and said, “I don’t know if anyone can hear me, but I cannot continue like this. And I don’t think I should continue like this. If anyone can hear my words, please help me.”
It was a plea that changed everything.
He said, “And it was late at night, and then I went to sleep. I woke up in an entirely brand-new state of mind — so new that I didn’t recognize it at first. The silence was deafening, but birdsong eased my fears. I didn’t remember ever hearing the birds. I realized that I was still alive, and I was still breathing. It’s just me, but something has majorly changed. And ever since then, my life hasn’t been the same.”
The silence created space for him to understand God’s presence and direction for his life.
“I learned that God is always in communication with us. He always helps us. He always tries to give us direction,” he said. “Maybe because we are all his children, and as a loving Father, He always guides us. He’s always there, but we do not hear Him because of the noise in our heads and because we are too attached to serving ourselves.”
Kushnir sensed God calling him to leave Los Angeles and move to Shelbyville. Although he knew his cousin lived in Shelbyville, he knew nothing about the area or why he should make it his home. However, he knew that he could trust the voice he heard leading him.
“I packed up my belongings, got in my car in California, drove up to Main Street, went into the first decent hotel I saw, rented a room, went and sat on the bed, and said, ‘Okay, Father, here I am.’ And He has guided me gracefully, from step to step, ever since,” he said.
For everything he loved about Shelbyville, his search for healthy foods yielded few choices. Then the understanding of his purpose in Shelbyville came into focus. A small business in a former bank drive-thru building offering juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and natural drink supplements evolved.
Kushnir said, “When I saw the building, which sat vacant for so many years, I knew exactly what it was. I could even see the color of the building, all the design, and menu items. None of it was my idea. I’d never even made a smoothie before.”
Opening day found him feeling clueless but committed to fulfilling his calling. He sensed an assurance he was hearing God’s heart and was encouraged in his spirit to keep pushing. Refusing to focus on his insecurities, anxiety, and inexperience, he entirely relied on God as he made his first drink and served his first customer. He admitted he’d never done this before, but his customers didn’t believe him.
Each day brings opportunities to share with and encourage others. Many are excited about healthier choices, and others are learning about a healthier lifestyle. Kushnir’s offerings, he said, feed the body and the spirit.
He connects our overall mental and spiritual health with what and how we eat, leaning toward a vegetarian lifestyle. He believes the negative energy trapped within the meat multiplies our fear, anger, anxiety, and negative emotion. Choosing natural foods instead, he said, nourishes a more positive lifestyle.
His life in Shelbyville fulfills his purpose, and his customers continue to bless him with their return business and shared conversations.
“It’s very clear that this town needed something like this more than anything else. My customers are the most gracious and appreciative people. I truly believe that some of their lives have changed for the better through the food I serve and through the encouragement of our conversations. If I can help just one soul through their predicament, that’s a service. This is how you serve God,” said Kushnir.
And it’s his definition of success.
“There’s only one purpose to why we are here. It is to serve God,” he said. “I don’t see any other way.” GN
