Wow! Where are the days of December going? My little girl brought home a countdown calendar from school today...only 15 days left until Christmas. Praying you are having a wonderful December so far! Enjoy this week's post from Mimi! Shannon :-)
Campbell’s Tomato Soup
I have just experienced such a wonderful, fantastic
weekend! It included everything from a
Historic Savannah Christmas tour with precious friends and family to a
children’s Christmas Cantata with even more precious friends and family.
In Savannah on Saturday, my daughter hosted
us for a true Savannah-style brunch with all the trimmings. One of
my favorites—shrimp and grits—was on her menu. This is truly my “Savannah comfort food.” Later
in the day, as we toured adorned southern homes on display, we talked of other
foods, shared recipes, and even managed to eat again.
During one of these conversations, I shared that
my most favorite comfort food was a can of plain old Campbell’s tomato soup.
Growing up, if it was really “fixed up,” my
mom would add a little butter, milk, or cream to my bowl. And if it really was a time where I needed
special comfort, she would fix me a grilled cheese sandwich to dip in it. Actually, I was eating tomato bisque long
before it was an appetizer on a menu in a fine dining establishment. In my very young years my cousins and I
always had tomato soup every Saturday for lunch—no matter whose house we were
playing at. Probably back then, it was only 27 cents a can!!!!
Isn’t it funny what comfort foods bring to mind?
Is it really the food, or is the food
just the catalyst for remembering an act of love? Being comforted is such a powerful thing,
bringing to mind a moment and bookmarking it in our hearts. I can remember soup moments from over 50
years ago with my loving mom, and even 30 years ago from a loving uncle. I recall these feelings like these moments happened
just yesterday.
Years ago my dad was in the hospital between
Thanksgiving and Christmas. A simple
procedure had turned life threatening in the wee hours of the night. It happened suddenly, and I was stationed at
the hospital late into the night waiting for the doctor to take my Dad back
into surgery. My aunt came and sat
patiently with me, waiting for a surgery team to be put together. She called her husband to give him an update about
the seriousness of the situation; by now it was early morning. My uncle asked if I wanted or needed anything,
and she told him no. She told him I had
not eaten much all day, but I was fine; just a bit of fresh coffee would be
appreciated.
Within the next hour, the hospital elevator
doors opened, and my uncle walked into the waiting room. I can still see the large silver thermos in a
brown bag held firmly in his hand. I
thought how considerate he was to bring fresh coffee from home for my aunt at 2:00
in the morning. He opened up the
thermos and poured something into the cup.
No, it was not coffee for us, but plain old tomato soup for me with
a little extra milk added. This moment was not about serving me my
favorite soup, but about being caring for me.
I don’t remember sipping the hot the soup, but I do remember feeling the
comfort. And yes, this gesture was so
powerful that it is forever bookmarked in my mind and etched in my heart.
My dad was fine after his surgery, and all
was well that Christmas Season. This Christmas may be different or not-so-fantastic
for many precious people in our lives. Christmas
is a wonderful time for most of us, but not all of us. It may
not be perceived as a celebration, but rather as a stark reminder of something
lost. A loved one may be gone, homes may
be broken, finances may be devastated, or physically someone may be suffering. There may be even be a spiritual need. No matter who you are, someone will
undoubtedly cross your path who needs comforting. What ever act you do in love and compassion will
speak volumes to them.
In reflecting on my recent special weekend
in its entirety, I recognize that while I feel very blessed, I also need to be
compassionate and offer comfort to someone that is in a less content place than
I. At the very least I have been
challenged to be more sensitive to their troubles and their life changes this
year. Can you think of someone this Season that may
not need you financially to buy them a meal, but needs you emotionally to sit
with them as they enjoy your soup? Show
the love of Christ this season! Be led
by the humility of His example and the demonstration of His unconditional love! Blessings, Mimi (AKA Anne)
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