This week, every time I try to get something done, roadblocks pop up like moles in an arcade game. I feel like I’ve spent the week whacking moles on the head, but haven’t actually accomplished anything.
So this afternoon after a couple hours at the coffee shop and the writing wasn’t flowing, and no matter how hard I tried to not listen t0 (and cringe at) the conversation happening next to me, I decided to close the books and head home. I hoped a change of location would help. Before I packed up I checked my Facebook feed and saw a fellow Mom’s desperate post:
trapped in a germ infested house with kids who are NOT getting along & the worst part — brace yourself — i’m out of #dietcoke. #shootmenow
I looked at the cooler filled with sodas next to the cash register and smirked. My friend lives approximately 3.6 miles from the coffee shop. I grabbed 3 Diet Cokes (because one is definitely not enough on a day like that!) and 3 adorable pink heart cookies. I giggled with anticipation. Suddenly, the ugly-roadblock moles shrunk in size.
I debated calling her. I put myself in her shoes, and knew that if a friend had heard my plea and showed up with my drink of choice, the complete surprise would bring extra joy.
I rang the doorbell. Her boys answered and stared at me in confusion.
“Hey, I heard you guys sick today?”
They stared at me, not sure what to do.
“Can you go get your mom please?”
The older one closed the door and I heard scuffling. A couple minutes later, my friend appeared at the door her eyes mirroring the surprise of her boys’. I smiled and thrust a white paper bag into her hands.
She shrieked and caught me in a bear hug. I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the day. Turns out I didn’t need a change of physical location, but a change of mental location – off my own problems.
I spent the previous week writing a chapter on generosity, urging future readers that it doesn’t matter how small you think your gift is. Your love for the person you are sharing with matters big time to God.
Jesus said that it’s more blessed to give than receive. Tonight, I understand that a little better.
Nice. You’re such a great friend!
Love, love, love this! Last year a friend showed up at my house after a week of sick kids with a 2 liter of Diet Coke in one hand and a Starbucks latte in the other. It was a precious, sweet blessing! I smile thinking of what that must have been like for your friend (and for her kids to see Christ’s love in action). Will this story make your book?? 🙂
Praying for you today!