Shannon shut the car door and blew out a breath, her emotions swirling. There was nothing she needed more than to be at Bible study tonight, but the guilt of leaving her mom threatened to swallow her. But she’d been the attentive daughter 24-7 since Mom’s stroke five days ago. She needed this time with her dear friends. Mom would be fine sitting with her niece tonight.

              As she drove to the church, memories of previous weeks filled her with comfort. Sharing concerns, studying God’s word together, and praying for one another. Over the years, these women had become closer to her than sisters. Maria, in particular, was dearer to her than anyone else. Shannon had called her as soon as Mom was rushed to the hospital and Maria had prayed for her over the phone.

              When she pulled into the parking lot, it hit her. It was her turn to bring the treats tonight. Oh, no. Once a month, they had a special night where they brought homemade goodies to share with one another. All the women loved it, and they usually ended up requesting each other’s recipes. It was something they all looked forward to. Her stomach twisted. They’d understand, but she hated disappointing her friends.

              A car pulled up alongside her. She turned to see Maria. Maria exited the car, two large grocery bags in tow. “Hey Shannon, how are you holding up?”

              Shannon stepped out of the car and took a bag from Maria. “I’m OK, but I’m having trouble keeping track of life right now.” She transferred the bag to her other hand. “What’s all this?”

              Maria grinned. “It’s the night for homemade goodies. I wouldn’t have expected you to remember that, considering all you’re dealing with right now.”

              Shannon stared at Maria. “I remembered in the car. But it was my turn this month.”

              Maria looped her arm in Shannon’s. “No, your turn is next month. This month is definitely mine.”

              Relief flooded through Shannon. She wouldn’t be disappointing anyone after all. They entered the church and Shannon excused herself for a moment, heading to the ladies’ room. While she was there, she pulled out her phone to check the schedule. Sure enough, tonight was her night to bring the treats. Love for her dear friend filled her. Not only did she bail her out of an embarrassing situation, but she pretended she hadn’t even done so. Shannon quickly returned to the room where Maria was setting out her baked goods. Shannon squeezed Maria’s shoulders and whispered. “Thank you.”

              Maria glanced at her with a wide, innocent smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

              The other ladies filed in, and soon Shannon’s heart, as well as her stomach, was full. Maria had made peanut butter cookies, thick, fudgy brownies, and cream puffs, and Shannon ate one of each.

              Elena started the study. “Tonight we’re going to read 2 Kings, chapter 6.” She told the story of the prophet Elisha and how one of the men he was working with lost an ax head in the water. The young man was upset because he’d borrowed the ax. Elisha miraculously recovered it.

              Shannon listened as Elena recounted the story. She hadn’t recalled reading that particular passage before, and wondered why Elena had chosen it. She soon had her answer.

              Elena set her Bible in her lap and gazed around the room. “I don’t know about you, but that story really spoke to me. God cares about the things that matter to us. It doesn’t matter how insignificant they may seem. He allowed Elisha to perform this miracle to help one of his friends. It reminds me to bring everything to God, not just the things we think are worth his time.”

              Shannon stared at Elena as her words sank in. She’d been praying for God to heal her mother. That was a big request. But how many other things was she trying to tackle on her own? A weight lifted as she realized she didn’t have to go at it alone. Maria proved that to her tonight. God showed He loved her enough to prompt Maria to make the desserts for tonight’s meeting. It wasn’t big and important like her mother’s health, just like the lost ax head wasn’t big and important. But God cared about the little things.

              Shannon went home that night full of gratitude and love. No matter what happened, God loved her, and that would make everything OK.

Luke 12:6-7

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God, thank You for caring about the little things in our lives. Help us remember to bring them all to You. Nothing is too small for Your care. If you’ve numbered the hairs on our head, how much more do our worries mean to You? Thank You for your faithfulness, your kindness, and Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.