Abby and Eason –
You’ve heard me say it my whole life. I don’t understand pasta. I really think someone squished bread and called it a new food, and I think it’s yuck. Mac-n-cheese is the worst of all of the squished breads. Not only is it pasta, but it’s powder that magically transforms when liquid is added.
Ok, ok… It’s not a new idea that I don’t like pasta. But, it might be news to you that mac-n-cheese completely changed the way I interact with my friends.
A few years ago, when I was sick, a neighbor stepped in to help me. Her name is Mrs. Treisa. She declared she was going to bring me dinner certain days per week until I was well. I wasn’t interested in eating, but you guys needed to eat.
Over the next bit of time, she brought some amazing meals. But, the meal that changed my life was mac-n-cheese. All of her meals were simple. She knew that you guys liked simple foods.
But, when the mac-n-cheese arrived, you were delighted. It was the best meal you could imagine.
Theisa has lived longer than me. Her mac-n-cheese represented wisdom. She knew that I wasn’t concerned about food. I was concerned about you guys while I was sick. By bringing food that you loved, she showed me she cared for me. Her gesture was simple. She made you happy, and she showed me I was loved.
Helping another person isn’t about preparing a gourmet meal. It’s about being aware of what is going on in their lives and showing them you care about them.
Theisa’s mac-n-cheese changed the way I have meals with friends. Serving friends isn’t about my ability to prepare a great meal. It is about my willingness to stand beside my friend. Sometimes friends just need a night off cooking duty. It doesn’t have to be a perfect meal – they just don’t have time to cook it. Sometimes they need to talk – crackers and cheese might be perfect.
As you build relationships with your friends, look at their needs, dreams, desires. Don’t try to make yourself look good. How is your friend feeling? Is there a way you can encourage them? How do you show them that you love and accept them for who they are?
“Being a good friend” isn’t about us. It is about taking time to know your friend and being present with them where they are. A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity (Prov. 17:17).
Take time to think about your friendships. What are your friends facing in life? What are they excited about? How can you celebrate life with them? How can you pray for them?
I love you both so much!
Mom