No Lemon (08/08/2024)

We went to lunch with our son. It was a chance to catch up with him and his life. I was looking forward to it and wanted to make every second count. When the waitress asked us for our drink order, my husband and son responded that their water was all they wanted. But I piped up, “A glass of iced tea, please.” The waitress nodded and started to walk away when my husband added, “No lemon, and she’ll need a straw.” The waitress turned around, smiled and gave a thumbs up. He does this frequently. He looks after me when I’m too distracted to do it myself.

My iced tea idiosyncrasy goes back to my chemo time. I was told to avoid lemons in my tea because they had the greatest potential for bacteria being handled by so many in the prep stage and to use a straw that was clean rather than trust the establishment’s dishwashing skills. And to this day, that is how I take my iced tea. My husband knows this. And when I am distracted or forget to give all the details to my order, he fills in for me.

Watching out for one another is part of our calling as disciples, don’t you know. We’re called to think of the other and to want their success on the journey, being willing to do what we can to make the journey safe and successful. Most of the time, it’s the little things. Most of the time they don’t take a lot of resources or time, just thoughtfulness and loving kindness. Love is like that, most of the time.

But then there are times when it takes all we have to love in the moment and to love well. My husband has proven that he can do that, too, through my numerous surgeries and treatments over the years. Love is like that at times.

Love demands that we see the other, their strengths but also their needs. We are called to help others unpack and wisely use their gifts, and we are called to step up and step in when their needs exceed their resources. That’s what love calls us to do. Love calls us to treat the other as we ourselves would want to be treated.

As we journey in faith, buoyed by hope, let the love that fuels us also inspire us to do all we can to assure the other they are seen, they are valued, they are loved.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.