Just last night I made a pot of soup for dinner. Now some of you know this soup is no ordinary soup, perhaps because you’ve heard of its notoriety, perhaps because you’ve eaten it yourself.
But you ought to know: there is something in the soup.
photo courtesy of sxc.hu @hisks
I never make just enough for my family. The pot is always at the point of bubbly overflowing – just ask my stove, and it will wield its shiny surface covered with splatter marks to prove it.
So, what is this secret ingredient?
It is not the thick fettuccine style noodles or the golden egg in the broth, although those are special. And it’s not of the veritable variety you find stacked on a store shelf or chopped on a board to glistening perfection.
The something in my soup is prayer.
That might sound cliche to those who are not fellow “soup makers”, but nothing about the soup is cliche – except that it makes all things better and it fills the soul with more than food.
That’s why I call it “loving your neighbor” chicken noodle soup.
Because I pray over every pot, asking God who needs to receive the soup that day.
As I was slurping up my last bites of savory goodness last night, and filling my 17 year old’s bowl for the 2nd time, I thought I knew who was getting the remaining portion that day. A neighbor had just had minor surgery followed up with a heart-wrenching good bye to her hubby for the next 11 weeks. That seemed pretty cut and dry. She needs the soup!
But then, between trips to the stove, I received a text message from my out-of-town husband telling me a dear friend and his whole family were sick. The text read: “Anything we can do to help?”
Of course it didn’t take a second to reply, “I’ve got soup, freshly made. I will deliver it right away.”
I was able to feed my family dinner, AND give away 2 additional batches of soup last night.
As I poured the soup into the disposable containers, and hand wrote notes of encouragement, I realized that there has never been a time that God hasn’t multiplied even my most meager efforts. If I am willing, he will bring someone who needs what I have to offer.
And every time, I’m amazed at the loaves and fishes miracle happening in my very own kitchen.
With just a few key ingredients you, too, can provide some “love your neighbor soup” in someone’s time of need.
- A prayerful heart – asking God who needs your “soup” that day.
- A prepared kitchen – stocked with ingredients and disposable dishes for delivery. (I also keep a stash of blank cards for messages)
- A willing body – so that you will be obedient to serve. Even if it means getting out of that comfy chair (or even your pjs) to deliver a container full of love when He calls.
How do you serve others in their time of need? Do you have any “secret ingredients” you’d like to share?