Living Like Him #abcblogging

"Image courtesy of Apolonia / FreeDigitalPhotos.net"

We are called to live Christ-like.  There are many ways we can do that but I want to talk today about one way that speaks to my Italian heart!  FOOD!  Recently I had a conversation with a good friend about making meals for another church member who just had back surgery.  She said over the years she had some serious surgeries herself and never had a meal made for her. 

This really struck me as sad.  Through the years I've had babies, miscarriages and surgeries.  Every time someone from church made us meals.  Sometimes we received two weeks worth!  When I was on bedrest with my second son we received meals through out the 3 months.  I can't even begin to tell you what a huge blessing that was!  Knowing that my family was going to eat and eat well while I couldn't make them food was such a relief.

Maybe the food thing just is my thing.  There are plenty of ways to help when someone has a medical issue.  You can offer rides to the children, clean their house or even some money.  Food just seems like a natural thing.

I think it might be because Jesus had a heart to feed people.  When they would come to hear him they were fed.  He knew that a full belly and a full spirit were essential.

In John 21: 15-16 the Bible says:

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.


See not only did they dine but Jesus also tells Peter to feed his sheep.  I know he was talking about spiritually but I think  you could take that literally too.  I mean that helping out with a meal helps with the spiritual part.  It shows Christ's love, it shows compassion and caring from church members.

So when should you make a meal?  Here are a few suggestions:

• Surgeries
• Bed Rest
• Births
• Deaths
• Financial hard times
• Just because

I can tell you this - I've qualified for all of the above!  I'm so thankful to the generosity of family, friends and church members that brought us food during those trying times.  I have even had a friend that has brought meals just because over the years!  What a sweet friend she is!  

You might be saying to yourself the following things:

• 
  
• I don't know what I would make
• I don't have a best dish
• I don't have extra money to make a meal

To these statements I say this- If you have a best dish...the one people ask you to make. Make that one!  If not you can make some thing easy.  It is really the thought.  I've made spaghetti and meatballs,  meatloaf, baked chicken.  Nothing fancy for sure.  I've also brought a rotisserie chicken and a pizza.  

As for the money aspect- it really don't cost that much to add a few extra servings.  Most people throw away the remainders of their meals anyways.  You can make one of your stretcher meals with rice or fresh bread.  A little really does go along way.  If it really is a financial hardship for you consider praying about the opportunity.  If you have a desire to do something sweet for some one God often will provide the means.


This post is part of blogging through the alphabet with Benandme.com.  Click on the picture below to see what others are saying for the letter L.