Be The Blessing

I have heard it said that to have a blessing you must be the blessing for someone else. Today I experienced that as I joined my dear friend Terri for lunch. She met me at the door with a big hug just for me. We both needed that hug! As she led me inside, it was clear that she had really put some thought and effort behind our time together. She had set the table with fresh fruit, croissants, homemade chicken salad, fresh brewed tea, and a plate of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies for dessert. My mouth was watering at the sight of this gourmet spread! We sat on her comfortable couches and talked while my daughter played with the basket of toys she got out for her. We talked so much we almost forgot to eat!

As I sat down at my plate I discovered she had a little gift set out for me-- some lotion and a cranberry mandarin scented candle. She had also set out an index card with some scriptures just for me. On the card was written verses about persevering and being steadfast. I joked, "Oh, you must have read my blog this week."

"No," she said sheepishly, "I haven't had time."

I told her that that meant even more-- that God had led her to write me those verses even without knowing anything about what I had been facing this week. I praised God right then and there for His word for me through my dear friend!

And so, I thought I would share this story with you so that maybe you would be inspired to be the blessing in someone else's life. Who could you invite over to share a simple, yet festive fall lunch? Maybe you just need to make some hot chocolate or coffee and serve some slice and bake cookies-- it doesn't have to be homemade! The main thing is to make the person feel valued, fussed over and loved on. I know I did. I left Terri's house feeling special and treasured-- not just by my friend but by a God who loves me enough to share that love through His people.

Terri was my blessing today. Whose blessing is God asking you to be?