“You’re in town now?” Kristi gripped the phone, unable to contain her excitement.

“I know it’s last minute, but I have an unexpected layover. I’ll be in town until tomorrow morning.”

Kristi beamed. “Sue, I don’t care that it’s last minute. Where’s your hotel? I can be there in an hour. We haven’t seen each other in years.”

Sue’s laugh came through the phone. “Five years, to be exact. We have a lot to catch up on. I’m at the Hilton on 5th Street.”

“Got it. Let me tell Rob and I’ll see you soon.”

Kristi disconnected, turned around, and nearly plowed into Rob. One corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. “What’s up? You look like you won the lottery.”

Kristi grabbed Rob’s forearms. “Sue is in town. Just for tonight. I’m heading to her hotel by the airport. Can you take care of dinner?”

Rob’s half grin bloomed into a belly laugh. “Of course. I can order take out as well as any other red-blooded American male.”

Kristi let go of his arms and gave him a playful swat. “And that’s why you guys need me. You’d never eat vegetables if I weren’t around.”

“It won’t kill us to have fried chicken once in a while.” He rubbed his chin. “Or wings. Or cheesesteaks.”

“Don’t be too upset about me leaving you for the evening.” Kristi pressed a kiss to Rob’s lips. “Thanks. I won’t be too late.”

“Better not. We need to go to the earlier service tomorrow since we have Mike’s graduation party afterwards.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be up before the rest of you, as usual.” Kristi dashed upstairs, changed out of her T-shirt and shorts into something more appropriate for a hotel restaurant, and dashed out the door. As she guided her car onto the highway, excitement mounted. She and Sue had been inseparable in college. They’d both been committed Christians, but they served God in very different ways. For Kristi, it was about taking care of her family and serving at the local church. For Sue, it was about serving in overseas missions. Sue’s trips home were rare, but she always had exciting stories to share.

Forty minutes later, Kristi parked at the hotel and shot off a text to Sue. She hurried into the lobby and scanned the room. A moment later, the elevator dinged, and out stepped Sue, an enormous grin on her face. Kristi ran to hug her.

Sue squeezed her tight. “It’s been so long. Come, sit, and tell me everything that’s happened in the last five years.”

Kristi followed Sue to the couches. “The last five years? Wow. A lot, actually. I think you know I lost my dad, and I was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago.”

Sue patted her hand. “I know that was a tough season. But you look great now. How do you feel?”

“I feel great. No sign of it returning. Just a bunch of checkups and follow-up tests. And Mom is getting older, but she’s adjusted to life without Dad as best as she can.”

“How’s your family?”

“Rob and the kids are doing great. Rob has had some health problems as well, but he seems to be OK now. He lost his job a couple of years ago, but has another one now.”

“Sounds like you’ve been through some things while I’ve been gone. I’m sorry for your trials.”

Kristi waved a hand. “It’s no big deal. Now, tell me about your adventures.”

Sue told story after story of people they reached with the gospel. Her face shone as she spoke of the people in her life. It was clear she’d found her calling.

As the night drew to a close, before saying goodbye, Sue took Kristi’s hands in hers and prayed. “Dear Father, thank You for our precious friendship. Please be with Kristi as she navigates life’s challenges. You’ve tested her in many trials and she’s stood faithful to You. Please continue to give her strength and good health. Please guide her through parenting older teens while dealing with her aging mother and in-laws. Help her and Rob with their jobs and please help their children to continue to follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Kristi opened her eyes and blinked back tears, knowing their time together was coming to a close. “Thank you. You’re such a blessing to me, even though we can’t see each other very often. I’ll pray for you and the people you’re serving.” She stood, and after another quick hug, headed home.

The next day, after church and Mike’s graduation party, Kristi felt the urge to make bread. Something had been nagging at her since Sue’s visit, and baking always calmed her. Not to mention the delicious aroma of baking bread. It had been a while since she’d made a loaf, so she tested her yeast. She stirred together the warm water, yeast, and sugar, just as the dryer buzzed. She hurried to get the clothes folded so she could get the dough rising before dinner.

When she returned to the kitchen, she let out a laugh. Rob entered the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her. “What’s so funny?”

Kristi pointed to the measuring cup. “I think it’s safe to say my yeast is still good.” Tan froth overflowed the cup and poured out onto the counter.

Rob grinned down at her. “That reminds me of Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Joy filled Kristi’s heart. Rob was such a blessing. She pecked him on the lips. “Thank you for that. Now let me clean this mess up and get my bread dough rising.”

Rob kissed her back and exited the kitchen. Kristi stared at the measuring cup, the Bible verse rattling around in her head, and she finally realized what had bothered her so much about Sue’s prayer last night.

God had, in fact, filled her life with overflowing blessings. Yes, she’d had some trials, and there were sure to be more to come, but hadn’t those trials made her a better person? She’d lost loved ones, but they were in heaven now, and she’d be reunited with them one day. She and Rob had both had health challenges, but they were doing well now, and those challenges had drawn them closer together. No, they couldn’t take long walks together anymore, but they could still take short ones around the neighborhood, holding hands. And there had been some job challenges, but they were both employed now and able to contribute to the kids’ college funds. She was a part of a loving family who loved God, and that was all she ever needed. Sue’s prayer had focused on Kristi’s trials, but her life was overflowing with blessings, and God was the center of it all.

In fact, it reminded her of another Bible verse. Luke 6. 38. She finished kneading the dough, set it in a warm place to rise, and headed to get her checkbook. With all the good Sue was doing in the world, she wanted to increase her contribution to her missionary organization. Why not let the blessings overflow even more?

Luke 6:38

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 

God, thank You for the blessings in our lives. We all go through trials, with losses, strained relationships, financial and health problems, and unsaved loved ones. As we ask You to help us through our trials, please help us focus on all the blessings you’ve given to us. We are so grateful for all the good you’ve placed into our lives, especially the peace and assurance that comes from knowing we are Your children. Please help us keep our focus in the right place – on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.