Random Monday morning thoughts

So I'm sitting here enjoying my coffee; a ham, egg, and cheese wrap on a corn tortilla; and strawberry almond oatmeal for breakfast thinking about a few random things.

First, on Saturday night, my family and I went to eat at Carmen's Italian restaurant in Catasauqua, PA, just a few miles from our home. The rest of my family enjoyed their regular pasta meals, but since I'd finished off the leftover gluten-free baked penne I had made on Friday at lunch time earlier on Saturday, I ordered the gluten-free pizza and took home the leftovers. We plan to go back again to eat there, and I may try their gluten-free pasta the next time.

Second, I am grateful to have food on my table. I have been so blessed as an American that sometimes I forget what it is like for others who don't have enough to eat or drink or wear. A married couple at my church is from Liberia, and shared their testimony since our church has helped them start a medical clinic and school in their hometown in Liberia. The husband said that when he was growing up, his mother would save a bowl of rice from their meals, and he and his brothers and sisters would often ask her why they couldn't have a second helping. Their mother explained to them that if someone came to visit them who needed the rice more than they did, she wanted to be prepared to feed them. That comment made an impression on me. I may be able to give a person food when they need it, or maybe it would be something else they would need like a coat or shoes. But living a generous life brings many blessings to the giver and the receiver, so I hope that I will not pass up any more opportunities to generously give myself to others who need a friend as well as a cup of water.

Finally, it's Monday and the beginning of a busy week for me. Bring it on! I've got plenty of coffee I can drink to help me get through the week, too!