Ham, Cornbread and Cookies

So, late yesterday afternoon we headed home from our last official "pastoral duty" (to be said with a rich, English accent) of the day. And the most delightful phone call came to us. Burnette, Debra and Wayne had worked all afternoon preparing a FEAST just for our family. We reported our ETA and like clock-work, just as we pulled into our driveway, there they were. Dear friends who wanted to "love-on" their pastors.

Wayne had spent his day off, smoking a ham; which is a true art form here in the deep south. Debra prepared her fragrant mustard greens and snap peas; all perfectly seasoned and still warm. The crowning elements of said feast were bright orange sweet potatoes and Burnette's special jalapeno cornbread. Oh my WORD, this will surely be served at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! Smile.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy a tasty latte or a crunchy biscotti now and then just like everyone else. But when you're really tired and seriously hungry and the day has been long you don't want a snack, a cold sandwich, not even a crispy salad. On those days you want real, true, fattening, seriously caloric F O O D! And to have it delivered to your front door by dear friends who treat your grateful smile as though it were their greatest reward - well, that's heavenly!

Then tonight before classes began, two little angels (Katelin and Sarah) brought warm, chewy cookies that they had baked themselves. (Can't you smell the peanut butter?) Oh my, how NICE to be the recipient of anothers' love. These generous acts of thoughtfulness have given encouragement in BIG measure.

I have no great object lesson or conclusion to draw. This is just my personal testimony of thankfulness today. Lavish love that comes from genuinely kind hearts has no equal. I certainly hope that encouragement comes your way today too.