In the big scheme of life, Matt’s foot injury this week is not such a big deal. It hurts quite a bit, it is causing some inconvenience, and is preventing him from getting his work done. But we’ve got a friend undergoing major life-threatening surgery for cancer today, another who is getting ready to bury his dad, and many other friends who are struggling with hardships much more difficult than we are facing.
And yet. This week has been exhausting. I found myself quite weary by this afternoon, after several days of trying to juggle all my work and some of Matt’s too. He’s starting to get around a little bit (on crutches), but it’s slow going. I finally gave way to some tears this morning. I’m fine, really. I’m just tired. :)
At just the right time early this afternoon, there was a knock at the door. There stood my friend Rose, dressed in a cheery yellow shirt, a pecan pie in her hands. I thought I would melt into a puddle. Here’s what she said to me,
“I heard Matt got hurt. I’m so sorry! I wanted to do something, then questioned how I could possibly cook something for you, the one who cooks great food all the time. Then I told myself, ‘well that’s just stupid.’ So I baked you a pie.” Then she gave me an “I love you with the love of the Lord” sister-in-Christ hug. Oh, it was just what I needed at that moment.
Friends, I don’t care if she would have brought me a frozen pizza or a bag of nuggets from McDonalds. I don’t care if she would have thrown me a bag of Cheetos out the window of her car. I don’t care if she would have shoved a package of Oreos into my hands. I don’t care if she showed up with nothing in her arms but a hug for me. Her thoughtfulness and care were perfectly timed. She followed the Spirit’s leading, and she loved me. That’s all that matters.
I kid you not when I say that the entire pie was gone in less than 30 minutes. Malachi declared it to be the “best pie he’d ever eaten.” Mmhmm, it was super good.
If you hear God calling you to serve, don’t question it. Don’t hesitate, feel intimidated, or worry that what you have to offer won’t be good enough. If God calls you, there’s a reason. Listen and obey. Your best is always just right.
So stop worrying. When you choose to love people, you can’t go wrong.
This post gave me goose bumps, I loved it! I too worry about not measuring up to other people’s abilities when trying to serve others, and this really encouraged me.
What a sweet friend! And what a great reminder! Thanks for sharing!
I’m sorry you were so weary. I hope God brings you a relaxing weekend and joyful Mother’s Day.
Absolutely true. Everyone, please remember this post! Little is much when God is in it. There are so many people feeling this weary and just to know someone else is aware [of their suffering] makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. I remember a friend, years ago, telling us about how someone gave them a loaf of bread (after it had seemed no one was remembering their struggles anymore) and they didn’t know whether to eat it, or bronze it! I can relate.
“I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said “yes,” when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to someone else.”
? Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
Love, love, LOVE! Needed, needed, NEEDED this reminder! Thank you for saying YES to God in sharing this!
And Thank YOU, Rose :)
I was just texting my sister this morning. She moved away a month ago. Unknowingly we had both been teary and emotional this week. I felt better just texting with her — knowing another woman understands. (I live in a house full of boys.) :-) This post is exactly how I was feeling. Thanks, Laura.
Very good advice!!! GOD BLESS!!!
Laura,
Your posts everyday are my favorite ones to read, you are so real. I just love ya. Today’s really spoke to me, my love language is to serve, and yet sometimes I fall short, but knowing that on the other side of giving is someone to receive a much needed blessing, and that is worth remembering, it’s not about me, it’s about God and them. Bless you my sister
Hi Laura!
This post is SO true! It immediately made me recall a time, a couple decades ago, when a lady from church was in the midst of miscarrying. Another friend and I heard about it via our church prayer chain. Neither of us had the means to do much about it…until we chatted that I have this ingredient, and she had this other ingredient…and by the end of our call we had the makings of a dinner and dessert for her family. We each prepared our parts then got together and combined the fixings. Within hours of her calling the church for prayer we delivered dinner. The best part was the look on her face when she opened the door! We came in just long enough to pray with her. When her husband arrived home a short while later he did not have to prepare dinner for the kids, so he was able to sit and comfort his wife. She later told us how much she was blessed, not only by the food, but even more so by the hugs and the love we showed when we prayed with her. Thanks for sharing your story. It’s a great reminder!
Hugs and prayers for you and yours!
Linda
I know where you are today. My husband had a heart attack in January. It was completely a shock as he is so healthy and we eat a real food diet. For weeks he could do so little and everyday was a struggle for me to get everything done. We are empty nesters so I have no children to help me. It made me realize just how much of a load he carries and I appreciate that all the more now that I am over being terrified that he will have another attack. Sometimes tears are healing though so do not feel bad about them. Hugs and I hope things get easier everyday.
Laura, this was great! Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing and happy Mother’s Day to you.
Needed this today. Has been a long week that doesn’t seem to be ending and even though you aren’t delivering me any real food, this post hit the spot. Thanks.
Being the spouse of a military member deployed multiple times (and Mom of 5), I have felt at my wits end many times and nearly every time, someone has come through with some act of love. No matter how small, it was greatly appreciated. Just do it!
LOVE this! I needed to hear it. Praying for you!
There have been times in the past when a friend or neighbor has been laid up for this reason or that, and I’ve thought perhaps I should try to help out somehow, whether in food or whatever, but whenever I’ve asked, it’s not been welcomed… for this reason I’ve allowed myself to become more cynical than is truly conducive to good relationships.
I guess in my round-about way I’m trying to say thank you (to you) for being grateful to your friend for her kindness. Some people are not so open to unsolicited “help” and when someone only intends to help but that help is rejected… it’s a big deal sometimes.
Hope your husband feels better soon!! Thank you for telling us about your experiences!!
love this post :)
Laura, thanks for the post! Very inspiring.
Amen. Great post. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m not at all religious and am christian only by birth, but I’ve come to your site over and over for the last few years…mostly for the food. But what keeps drawing me back is your belief in community, and caring, regardless of religious affiliation. This post touched me, and reminded me that I ought to thank you, in spite of the fact that you don’t know me at all. So thank you, so very much, for the reminder of the importance of kind friends and the faith that someone will come along when you need them to.