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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The first and last time I attempted kickboxing, I tore my ACL. My injury required surgery. The potential risks, the pain, the crutches, the physical therapy… none of that fazed me. But when I heard, “You cannot drive for two weeks,” I panicked!
It was 2015, and my SMPC women’s small group was my spiritual glue. We gathered every other week around each other’s kitchen tables to discuss a faith-based book over lunch. We shared parenting concerns and recipes, heartaches and hopes. And we were in constant prayer for each other. When my knee surgery was scheduled, these amazing women asked, “How can we help?” I confessed that the thought of being isolated for two weeks was terrifying and depressing (yes, I suffer from FOMO).
My compassionate friends created a plan. Several days each week, one of them called to say, “I’m bringing you lunch. What do you feel like today?”
They selflessly came bearing gifts of soups, salads, sandwiches, Starbucks and their presence. The feelings of loneliness that I feared never came; instead, I was overwhelmed by kindness. SMPC’s meal ministry showed up, as well. Mother-daughter duo Amy Zagora and Maddie Dellinger were literal rays of sunshine. Jennifer Basquin and Tim Morgan served as transportation ministry, taking me to PT appointments. Their help tying my shoes, a task I was unable to do on my own, felt like a divine act. Leisa Lackey thoughtfully dropped off slip-on T-shirt dresses because I had nothing that would fit over my leg brace. In the evenings my sweet family catered to all my needs.
These extraordinary acts of kindness (and many others) are detailed in a tiny notebook I recently pulled from my nightstand. It was the first time I committed to a daily practice of gratitude journaling and the memories are priceless to me now.
This Advent season, I am grateful once again to join my SMPC family in the daily practice of scripture reading, reflection, and prayer through our Advent devotionals. These reflections and precious drawings are gifts that I treasure.
God of hope, you have called us to be in community. Thank you for our SMPC family and for spiritual leaders who foster connection and care. In this Advent season, keep our hearts open and willing to show up for all in need of our gifts of love and compassion. Amen.
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