I have a friend that is hurting quite badly right now. So, as a friend, I am hurting as well. I’ve made myself available to listen, I’m empathizing and I’m praying. But what I really want to do right at this moment is make them a meal or bake some cookies.
Why is it that giving food is such a natural instinct?
- A new baby arrives – we take the family food
- Someone passes away – the church provides meals
- It’s a stressful time at work – the office caters brunch
- I fell and have a boo-boo – eat a cookie
- My heart is broken – eat a pint of ice cream
Food obviously nourishes us on many levels. Speaking as someone who’s gone through more than her fair share of heartache over the past few years, I have to say that food really only coats the wound for a moment (and the hips for months).
But knowing that someone cared and wanted to take care of me with such a basic need somehow really does help me heal, albeit slowly.
Maybe the saying, “Time heals all wounds” really should say:
Time and the love of others heals all wounds.
you gonna make me bawl again … ugh. I actually have almost become the opposite. Friend passes away from breast cancer, lose 3 pounds in a week. Friend diagnosed with cancer (inoperable), lose 10 pounds in 1 month. Maybe it is because I am making stuff for the family and forgetting to take time out for myself.