A Bell and a Loaf (01/24/2026)

This week, as I was putting on my coat to go sit outside for my midday prayer time, the doorbell rang. I answered it. When I opened the door, a dear friend stood on my porch. I’m not sure which of us was more surprised, her to see me in my coat or me to see her holding a beautiful loaf of sourdough bread. But I know which one of us was most blessed. It was me to have such a friend.

I’m not sure why she generously gave me and my husband the delicious fruits of her labor. I’m not sure why she would drive miles to give her loaf away. But a wise woman once told me to not question the good but just give thanks for it. And so, I did. I told her how much I appreciated her graciousness and generosity. Her delivery meant more than something to eat; her thoughtfulness lingers still days later. Being remembered by a friend does that.

The joy of receiving a surprise is magnificent. As I think about my good fortune and blessing, I think I understood how Zacchaeus felt when the Lord not only looked up and spoke to him in that tree but picked him to dine with that night. I thought of the surprises I’ve received over the years that so touched me. And it made me spend time thinking about the surprises I could bring to others with a visit, a flower, a card, a phone call.

The thing about a surprise I realized this week is that its message is simple: I see you and you are loved. Who doesn’t want to hear that? Who wouldn’t want to know that?

May we take the time along our way to be the bearers of surprises to others, surprises that gift the receiver with more than what we bear,  with the bonus of our loving concern.

My husband and I have eaten a lot of bread in our lives. But there’s something about this loaf that just makes it taste so good.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.