Have you ever had a situation where you thought you’d die of embarrassment?  It seems like I often get more than my share of these for some reason!  I occasionally help provide meals to people when I know there is a need.  When I do, I usually just double what I prepare and Jim and I eat it that night too.  I was never so horrified after delivering a meal to my pastor and his family of all people!  I made each of our families a casserole.  I put baking instructions on theirs so they would have a hot meal whenever they chose to heat it up.  Then I put it back in the refrigerator for delivery the next day. I decided to go ahead and stick ours in the oven for us for dinner that night.  Jim and I each took a square out of the casserole and I refrigerated the rest.  The next day, I pulled a salad together along with some bread, stuck it in the box with their casserole and delivered it to them perfectly packaged with care.  I didn’t give it another thought.

That night I decided since we hardly made a dent in last night’s casserole, I would just reheat us another piece for dinner again.  When I removed the foil on top of the casserole, I paused.  There was an uncooked casserole just ready to be stuck into the oven for dinner.  Could it be?!!!  Unfortunately for me, yes.  It was.  I had delivered the casserole that Jim and I cooked the night before and eaten from to my pastor and his wife that afternoon!  Talk about being embarrassed!  I immediately called them and explained how sorry I was for what I had done.  She had several kids and laughed.  She said she noticed the pieces missing but figured one of her kids had gotten to it before her.  It still makes my cheeks turn red today thinking about it!

What is it about food anyways that brings comfort to those who are suffering or grieving?  I know when others have fed us in the past after the loss of a loved one or surgery, it has been a really special thing.  I’ve come to the conclusion though that it’s really not about the food at all.  Yeah, it is nice when you’re exhausted from life’s circumstances to not have to cook or think about what you will eat.  However, I suspect that the most important part of taking food to someone is the expression of your love and concern as they travel through life’s hardships.  It’s a non-offensive way to reach out and show someone you care.  In my mind, it is not only serving those around you but also an act of evangelism.  It is so easy to say, “I’ll pray for you.”  But the simple act of dropping off some brownies or a pot of soup says, “I really do care.”

Even though everything I’ve cooked and given away has not always been perfect, I will continue to do so when a need arises.  Why?  It is a simple way for me to minister to others even through all of my imperfections.  Is there someone you know going through a hard time?  It might even be a fun time like a family with a new baby who just needs a little help.  Ask God to show you how you can touch someone’s life with a simple act of kindness.  Perhaps you’re not one to stand on a street corner and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  However, I ask, “Can you bake a pie?”  Pray about it this week.  I know this is only one way in life we can minister to others through our actions instead of being all talk.  What gifts have you been given that you can share to show others Christ?

Perhaps you’ve tried before and like me had an embarrassing circumstance that prevents you from trying again?  I say, “Never give up!”  I just have to assume that I must have needed some humbling or my pastor’s family needed a good laugh when I delivered them a half eaten casserole!  Nonetheless, I’m just trying to be a blessing despite the circumstances!  God doesn’t ask us to be perfect.  He just wants us to do our best, give our all and let Him take care of the details.  How is He asking you to serve today?

Check out this video in closing.

Isaiah 6:8  … I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”