Soup for the Soul

There is nothing sweeter than the kindness of friends, especially when you are recovering from an illness. It had been two weeks since Joe and I came down with the flu and basically became incapacitated. During the two weeks, we had friends offering to run to the store and bring us medicine, even though we lived 30-40 minutes away. We had other friends checking in on us via text and praying for us. And we had friends that stepped up and led our Bible study groups because we could not be there in person. To say that our hearts were full from the outpouring love we were receiving would be an understatement.

As Joe and I neared the end of having the flu, I was beyond excited that I was feeling better. I had an upcoming women’s brunch that I was hosting at our church. I had already postponed the week prior due to being sick and I did not want to have to postpone it again. But most importantly, I was tired of take-out food. Since Joe and I came down with the flu the day we moved to our new house, everything, including our dishes, pots and pans, was still boxed up and somewhere in our garage. Joe and I had been placing delivery and pick-up orders for two weeks and I was now ready to begin cooking our own meals, but first, I needed to prepare for the women’s brunch.

For two days, I cooked and prepared food. Even though I no longer had a fever or body aches, I still had a good amount of fatigue. I was able to spend a few hours cooking and then I would need to take a break, before preparing the next thing. The night before the brunch, Joe and I headed to the church to set up. Two of our friends volunteered to help us and met us at the church. As we finished up, Joe and I began discussing what we should pick up for dinner as I had to prepare a few more things for the brunch, once we got back home.

Our sweet friends, overhearing us, informed us that they had just made some homemade vegetable soup earlier that day, that they had plenty left over, and that we were more than welcome to stop by their house and get a container to take home. Joe eagerly accepted, as he loves homemade soup and he was as tired as I was of take-out food.

Once we arrived at home, I poured the soup into two bowl and warmed them up in the microwave. As we took our first spoonful, the warmth of the soup warmed our hearts almost as much as the kindness and love that our friends showed us. There is just something about homemade soup when you are sick or recovering that is so very good for the soul.

As I reflected on what our two friends did for us that evening, I was reminded how friends are one of the most beautiful gifts from God. Friends are uniquely created to bring laughter, joy, encouragement and support to our lives. The kindness of friends can be seen in the small, everyday acts like a listening ear when we need to talk, the encouraging words that lift our spirits, the small smile that they give when they see us, or the comforting presence when we are feeling down. For Joe and me on this day, it was a warm bowl of homemade soup. It is through the kindness of friends that we often get a glimpse of God and experience His love and grace in our lives.

Our friend’s gentle act of kindness reminded me of how Proverbs 17:17 states that a true friend loves at all times. Their love isn’t conditional on circumstances but is unwavering, reflecting the kind of love that God has for us – compassionate, caring, and faithful. For me, a true friend becomes like family.

As I continued to reflect on the kindness of my friends, I knew in my heart that I wanted to strive to be that source of love and kindness for others. I want to be that friend who loves at all times. The kind of friend who provides that listening ear, offering support and encouragement. The kind of friend who is willing to simply be present. The kind of friend who brings a meal just to make someone’s life a little bit easier. I want to be that kind of friend who reflects God’s love through my actions. I know that when I do so, I will not only bless others but I will also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out God’s command to love one another.

As I settled down for bed, I knelt down and thanked God for the kindness of my friends. I thanked Him for the gift of friendship and the kindness that friends bring into our lives. And I thanked Him, that through our friendships we experience growth that allows us to grow closer to Him. And lastly, I prayed that He would use me to be a source of kindness and love to those around me.

Who in your life has been a friend who loves at all times? Are you reflecting Christ’s love in your friendships? How might you better support or encourage those around you? Please share in the comments.