Circumstances have been like twisty roads around here lately. Twisty roads have blind curves and surprises and aren’t always efficient. Yep, that’s how I feel like my life has been lately.
In a phone call earlier this week that connected me to my life-long friend Katie, I listed sickness and schedules and some of the surprises. I told her it all felt like a lot. She told me life felt that way because it was a lot. I wasn’t whining or complaining, just naming the truth of this season. It’ll pass. Twisty roads will become straight, winter will become spring, and the calendar will offer more white space – eventually.
I also told Katie a story because it’s one of those sweet surprises that deserves to be documented. I told her I wanted to write it down, so that’s what I’m doing.
Toward the end of February, I confided in some friends about my actual life. My friend Lauren responded by saying she wanted to make dinner for my family. I texted her back: “I will accept any food! Thank you!” I was truly so appreciative she offered.
And then I forgot.
I remembered a week later, as soon as she walked toward in the church parking last Thursday morning holding a Crock Pot of soup. I was surprised and appreciative all over again.
See, Lauren knew my life felt like a lot. She knew there had been sickness, my mother-in-law with some minor health problems living with us while she awaits clearance to drive again, and mental exhaustion from parenting three kids in three different seasons with three different personalities. She knows the twists and turns in life can be a lot to handle.
Lauren couldn’t really straighten out my circumstances, but she could feed me and give me one less thing to think about. And what perfect timing it was! I made an impromptu trip to the walk-in medical clinic that evening because my youngest girl who had recently finished a round of amoxicillin still had achy ears.
While driving home that evening I heard on the radio Thursday, March 3 was National Soup It Forward Day! Y’all, I couldn’t make that up, and I couldn’t text Lauren quick enough. Neither of us had any idea, but God knew that day I needed to be fed by a friend. I am so thankful Lauren unknowingly participated in National Soup It Forward Day, offering a welcomed pitstop on the twisty road of life. The creamy Mexican chicken soup was delicious and it filled my stomach, nourished my soul, and served my family.
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This is a new story from my actual life, but it’s the kind of story that’s in my book, “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories of Gathering & Nourishing People.” Learn more here or buy it on Amazon.
