In the past few weeks, my family was blessed by many friends who showed up here with dinner during my hospitalization and recovery at home. I can't even express how wonderful it has been to be on the receiving end of a meal prepared and delivered with love.
And the kids are still raving about Sally's Magic Chicken--as well they should. It was delicious.
Every time a casserole dish came through my front door, I made a silent promise to myself that I would repay the favor, or at the very least, pay it forward. But I didn't expect that my first opportunity to do so would come quite so soon.
After yesterday's follow-up appointment with my surgeon, I've been cleared to drive (though it's still pretty uncomfortable to do that) and to increase activity gradually, except for heavy lifting. I got back behind the wheel just in time to pick up a few ingredients for a dinner I'm making tonight for my friend Sally.
As I rolled up those turkey enchiladas, I prayed for Sally and her family. I prayed for the soul of Sally's recently deceased mother. And it occurred to me that when our friends made us lasagna, pot pie, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken with spinach and linguine, homemade mac & cheese, pot roast, turkey, antipasto and that Magic Chicken, they were probably praying too. I know that the prayers and love that were stirred into those dinners helped with my healing. And I hope that the prayers and love that I rolled into those enchiladas help to bring peace to Sally's heart and to her family in this difficult time.
Don't think for a minute that delivering a meal to a family during a difficult time is a silly gesture or, worse, an unwelcome intrusion. I was guilty of thinking that--until folks did this wonderful service for us. Now that I know how much it means, I've resolved never to hesitate to help someone out in this way.
After all, there's a prayer in every bite.
4 comments:
Oh Barb you are so right. I make many baby quilts, and knitted baby items for my own grandchildren, and for shower gifts, and believe me I always pray for the new mom and dad and the new baby. I feel when I give a quilt that each stitch sewn is in itself a prayer.
Bean, that's so sweet! We received many little blankets when Little Brother was born, and I know that they were made with love. They are treasures for sure.
Since I'm not good at stitching, I'll have to stick to enchiladas :)
I don't know that I consciously pray for the family as I prepare a meal, but I certainly think the act itself is a prayer, an offering of mercy. We just took two meals to families this week. It is a simple way to let a family know you are thinking of them, whatever the need, without really intruding. People have to eat and we all enjoy not having to cook. I would encourage everyone to not just think of offering a meal when someone has a baby or is recovering from surgery, but just when you can. We all probably know a busy single mother who could use a night off from preparing a meal, or a family that is just busy, busy in service to others, and so on. Food is a love language, in my opinion.
Glad your recovery is going well! Don't get too ahead of yourself though--I'm sure you still need to take it slow!
Nicole,
may I ask what you typically prepare for a meal that you take to a family? This is something that I would like to do but always chicken out because I simply don't know what to make.
Thanks,
Bean
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