When in Doubt, Bring Food

In my years as a pastor I have been to my share of funeral homes, hospital rooms, recovery rooms, and hospice facilities. Early in my career this was stressful for me. I felt the anxiety of wanting to say the right thing or do something that would help people in these most difficult life situations. Eventually I realized, there's nothing you can say or do in situations like these to change the difficulty for those who are going through them. Just showing up and being present with them is enough. But if you really want to do something, bring food.

When Kate got her diagnosis and the surgery was scheduled, we started talking about recovery and what she was going to need to get through the most difficult first few weeks. Right on time, Emily Schulz from our church, New Denver Church, reached out to ask about scheduling a Meal Train - a simple calendar that lets people sign up to bring meals. The last time we had a meal train was 19 years ago when Andrew was born. When Emily emailed, my first thought was, "We don't really need that. Our kids are grown and at home and able to help. I think we can manage." Fortunately Kate didn't even hesitate. She emailed Emily to set up the schedule. We were shocked how quickly the schedule filled up and have been so blessed by friends stopping by to drop off food.

This week has been very difficult for Kate and for all of us trying to care for her. But it has been sprinkled with these beautiful moments of grace as friends have shown their love and care for us - often with food. My friend Brian bringing Chick-Fil-A to the hospital while Kate was in surgery. Delicious chocolate-dipped strawberries from Janis and then a whole tray of chocolate-covered fruit from Susanne ("Look, Kate, I'm eating fruit!"). I can now tell you that the best peanut butter cookies in Denver come from Clark's Market thanks to Adam and Hannah. And if you're lucky our friend Trixie may share her amazing curry chicken salad recipe in the comments. 🤯

Nothing can change the difficulty of facing cancer or a difficult surgery recovery, but these acts of kindness from friends and family certainly make it more bearable. We are so grateful for all the love and care shown by our community of friends and family this week. We feel it in so many ways - cards, texts, comments, flowers, and of course, all the amazing food. Every delicious bite is a taste of grace - a loving gift we had nothing to do with creating and simply receive with gratitude. I'm more convinced than ever, when people you care about go through difficult times, and you're not sure how to help - when in doubt, bring food. 😋