Jennifer sank onto the sofa and picked up the remote control. What an exhausting day. Her coworker had called out sick, so she was left juggling twice as many patients. She’d just gotten Zoey to bed, after all the last-minute packing for summer camp. She deserved a rest.

            Make cookies.

            Jennifer sat up. She’d had promptings from the Lord before, but what was that?

            The nudge came again.

            Make cookies.

            Jennifer sighed and pushed off from the couch. As she pulled out the ingredients, Joe entered the kitchen.

            “What are you up to?”

            “Making cookies.”

            “I thought you wanted to watch a movie.”

            Jennifer shook her head. “Apparently, I have something more important to do.”

            Joe raised his eyebrows.

            “I know, it sounds crazy, but for some reason, God wants me to make cookies.”

            Joe laughed. “Well, I’m all for it, as long as I get to eat some.”

            Jennifer swatted his arm. “Yes, you can eat some, but I have the feeling we’re supposed to take them when drop Zoey off at camp.”

            Joe shrugged. “Whatever you think. Guess I’ll be on the computer. Let me know when you’re ready to watch the movie.”

            An hour later, when Jennifer pulled the final tray out of the oven, she surveyed the counter full of perfect, crunchy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside chocolate chip cookies. Instead of feeling tired, anticipation coursed through her. What was God doing with these cookies?

            Joe grabbed a few, along with a tall glass of milk, but the rest she packaged into bags, ready for tomorrow’s road trip.

            The next morning, Jennifer’s phone pinged with a text, and she grabbed it and glanced at the screen.

            Just got home from the emergency room. Charlotte fell and broke her leg. She won’t be heading to summer camp. Tell Zoey we’re sorry.

            “Oh, no.”

            Zoey glanced up from her cereal. “What’s wrong?”

            Jennifer moved toward her daughter. “Charlotte broke her leg and won’t be going to camp.”

            Zoey dropped her spoon. “Then I’m not going either.”

            Joe set down his coffee. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, you’re going. You’ve been looking forward to this for weeks.”

            “With Charlotte. I can’t go to camp without her. I don’t know anyone.”

            Jennifer finished texting back, wishing Charlotte all the best and offering to help. “You’ll make new friends. You’re going to have a great time. I promise.” She glanced at the clock. If we hurry, we could stop at Charlotte’s on the way, if you’d like.”

            Zoey shrugged. “I guess so. Can I give her some cookies?”

            Jennifer grinned. “Sure. Maybe that’s why I made them.”

            Zoey gave her a sideways glance, but finished her cereal quickly.

            Ten minutes later, they pulled into Charlotte’s driveway. Zoey grabbed a bag of cookies and ran to ring the doorbell.

            Charlotte’s mom answered the door.

            “We brought Charlotte some cookies. Can I see her?”

            Charlotte’s mom waved Zoey inside as Jennifer reached the porch. “We can only stay a minute, but I thought it might be nice for Zoey to say goodbye.”

            After a few minutes of chatting with Charlotte’s mom, Joe honked the horn. Jennifer checked her watch and waved to Joe. “We’d better go.” She called to Zoey. “Come on, let’s get going. We don’t want to be late for camp.”

            Back in the car, Zoey chattered about Charlotte. “She’s really sad about not going to camp. But I got to be the first person to sign her cast, and she said she was going to sit in her bed and eat all the cookies herself. She was so happy we visited. Thanks, Mom.”

            A warm feeling spread through Jennifer. Cookies for a sad girl. Not a bad start to the day. When they arrived at the camp, Charlotte hung back behind Jennifer, her gaze darting around at all the chaos. Girls from all over the county dotted the parking lot. Some stood with their parents, some chatted excitedly with one another, and one girl sat, all alone on a bench, her head drooped.

            Zoey tugged on Jennifer’s sleeve. “Mom? Can I have a bag of cookies?”

            “Of course.” Jennifer handed a bag to Zoey, who made a beeline to the girl on the bench. Jennifer moved close enough to listen.

            “Hi. I’m Zoey.”

            The girl raised her head a fraction of an inch. “I’m Maddie.”

            “Have you ever been to this camp?”

            Maddie’s gaze remained fixed on her lap. “No.”

             “Me neither. I don’t know anyone here.”

            Maddie didn’t respond. Jennifer’s heart dropped. Not a good start. But Zoey was persistent. Would you like a cookie? My mom made them.”

            Maddie lifted her head and her eyes sparked with interest. “For real?”

            Zoey beamed. “Sure. Here.” She handed a cookie to Maddie, who took an enormous bite. Maddie closed her eyes and a tear trickled down her cheek.

            Zoey’s eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

            Maddie swiped at the tear. “They taste just like the ones my mom used to make.” She sniffled. “She died about a year ago. My dad thought this camp would be good for me to get away and make friends, but I don’t know how.”

            “Do you want to see if we can bunk together?” Zoey held up the bag. I have more cookies.”

            Maddie’s eyes widened, and she stood suddenly, calling “Dad? Dad?”

            A man hurried over to Maddie. “What’s wrong, Pumpkin?”

            “Nothing’s wrong.” She whispered in Zoey’s ear, who nodded and gave her the bag. Maddie handed a cookie to her father. “Taste these. They taste just like Mom’s. And guess what?” She smiled at Zoey. I just made my first new friend.”

Luke 11:28 Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.

God, sometimes You speak to us in nudges, gentle feelings, or whispers. Often those words are opportunities for us to serve You. Please help us be open to your leadings. Open our eyes, our hearts, our minds, and especially our ears to hear what You have for us to do. Please use us, in small and great ways, to serve others. Sometimes something as simple as a cookie can open a person’s heart. Thank You for allowing us to be Your hands and feet in doing Your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.