Food on my table
I couldn't believe it.
They weren't coming until 6pm, for dinner. At least that was the plan. And there they were at our door with smiles on their faces at 10am. This was going to be a long day, I thought to myself.
I had woken up that morning with a heavy heart. It was like a dark gloom had settled over me and I couldn't figure out why. John helped me with the morning breakfast routine, we had kids sleeping over and many mouths to feed. I grabbed my cup of coffee and headed to my room. God and I needed to have a chat.
I emerged not 20 minutes later with the answer. I knew why I was feeling heavy-hearted. 2011 was going to be a confusing year! Lots of transition, people coming and going, our own comings and goings, kids growing up, and much much more to trust Him for.
The cloud lifted after my very quick and simple revelation. God whispered to me almost audibly, "No worries, Jenn. For I will be with you."
The doorbell buzzed. E was here. E had been in our student group years ago and had returned home, to see us. He's not from our city, the only reason why he comes off the beaten path is to check in with us. Not minutes later another sweet girl A, arrived. Both of them had been very much a part of our lives early on in our years here, and when they left our city, we weren't so sure that they would continue walking with the Lord.
They shared story after story of how God had been so faithful. They shared of their fellowships, their relationships with others in the group, how the "others" (those who had also been part of our early group)were doing, and how they were growing. Both are pressing onto maturity. I was in awe.
Lunch came and I had nothing to present. I even said to John, "who keeps food for 12 people all the time in their kitchen!" (we had many for dinner the previous night, and many for breakfast just that morning!) But I went to my kitchen and prayed. I laughed aloud when I opened my pantry and found 2 cans of spaghetti sauce and 2 pounds of chicken in my fridge. Yes, He provided. Twenty minutes later, a large pan of chicken parmesan was on our table. Courtesy of HIS provision. As I madly cooked, I kept saying, "Lord, you're so funny.You knew what I needed." Tangible expressions of His presence and His tender care.
We talked the afternoon away and I saw that there were no plans for leaving. Dinner? A hurried trip to the market (with only 60 kuai - less than $10) and I returned with a colorful array of vegetables, a pound of meat, and a pathetic roast chicken. We squished in our small galley kitchen and an hour later, enjoyed a fresh ratatouille, pumpkin soup, pork chops, and pieces of roast chicken. Just enough. No leftovers. Again. His provision.
The timing was His. I awoke needing a tender touch from the Lord to remind me that yes, He cares for the birds and the flowers, how much more will He care for us, His children.
Food on my table. Each time, it's from Him. Amazing. What's also amazing is that the work we did some seven years ago was all for Him, but there was little visible fruit. We don't always get to see the fruit of what we do, so it was a gift. Twelve hours with those sweet friends was like a taste of heaven. Food for my soul. Amazing.
They weren't coming until 6pm, for dinner. At least that was the plan. And there they were at our door with smiles on their faces at 10am. This was going to be a long day, I thought to myself.
I had woken up that morning with a heavy heart. It was like a dark gloom had settled over me and I couldn't figure out why. John helped me with the morning breakfast routine, we had kids sleeping over and many mouths to feed. I grabbed my cup of coffee and headed to my room. God and I needed to have a chat.
I emerged not 20 minutes later with the answer. I knew why I was feeling heavy-hearted. 2011 was going to be a confusing year! Lots of transition, people coming and going, our own comings and goings, kids growing up, and much much more to trust Him for.
The cloud lifted after my very quick and simple revelation. God whispered to me almost audibly, "No worries, Jenn. For I will be with you."
The doorbell buzzed. E was here. E had been in our student group years ago and had returned home, to see us. He's not from our city, the only reason why he comes off the beaten path is to check in with us. Not minutes later another sweet girl A, arrived. Both of them had been very much a part of our lives early on in our years here, and when they left our city, we weren't so sure that they would continue walking with the Lord.
They shared story after story of how God had been so faithful. They shared of their fellowships, their relationships with others in the group, how the "others" (those who had also been part of our early group)were doing, and how they were growing. Both are pressing onto maturity. I was in awe.
Lunch came and I had nothing to present. I even said to John, "who keeps food for 12 people all the time in their kitchen!" (we had many for dinner the previous night, and many for breakfast just that morning!) But I went to my kitchen and prayed. I laughed aloud when I opened my pantry and found 2 cans of spaghetti sauce and 2 pounds of chicken in my fridge. Yes, He provided. Twenty minutes later, a large pan of chicken parmesan was on our table. Courtesy of HIS provision. As I madly cooked, I kept saying, "Lord, you're so funny.You knew what I needed." Tangible expressions of His presence and His tender care.
We talked the afternoon away and I saw that there were no plans for leaving. Dinner? A hurried trip to the market (with only 60 kuai - less than $10) and I returned with a colorful array of vegetables, a pound of meat, and a pathetic roast chicken. We squished in our small galley kitchen and an hour later, enjoyed a fresh ratatouille, pumpkin soup, pork chops, and pieces of roast chicken. Just enough. No leftovers. Again. His provision.
The timing was His. I awoke needing a tender touch from the Lord to remind me that yes, He cares for the birds and the flowers, how much more will He care for us, His children.
Food on my table. Each time, it's from Him. Amazing. What's also amazing is that the work we did some seven years ago was all for Him, but there was little visible fruit. We don't always get to see the fruit of what we do, so it was a gift. Twelve hours with those sweet friends was like a taste of heaven. Food for my soul. Amazing.
What a blessing to hear about how God provides and how He can show us many years later the benefits of our work for Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
It is amazing how He provides... food and sanity! And, creativity with chicken! I love hearing your heart, Jenn. ...I just love it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. A tribute to our wonderful God and a peek into your servant's heart. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteJenn, as I read this post, memories flooded me of early times in your city. Not pretty responses at times! I would have benefitted by your example at that time! I see your new year desire to "Enjoy each day and each person in my life as they are a gift" being lived out in your 'food on the table' day! Appreciate His life flowing from you...
ReplyDeleteOnly the Lord could provide 2 lbs. of chicken in your fridge. =) Love your post Jenn - what a beautiful reminder of who are Provider really is. Celebrating all that's ahead for you guys and praying for much needed strength and grace!
ReplyDeleteI could totally relate to your post because this weekend we had an out of town visitor. Yesterday out of town guests arrived one and a half hours early for our living room church meeting. I was in my pyjamas when they rang the bell. I served lunch to 12 people, everyone left at 4, and at 5 I got ready for our guests who were coming for marital counselling. This morning I had visitors for breakfast WHILE I homeschooled my kids! God gives grace for each moment! Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteMiss those times. There always was enough!
ReplyDelete