December 19, 2025
One of the local school social workers contacted me this week with an urgent request to support families who feel unsafe leaving their homes right now. The need is simple: food and food delivery. This social worker and I have worked together on many occasions; she is someone I trust and admire, and she does incredible things on a shoestring and a prayer. So when she sounds the alarm, I know it's with good reason. Sure, I can help, I said, and I'm sure I know others (*wink wink*, that's you) who would love to jump in as well.
We exchanged a few emails, and on my way home from church I popped over to the grocery store to pick up a few needed items. I was thinking about how grateful I am for this social worker, and all she does for so many, when I heard, "Jennifer!" from across the aisle. It was her. We exchanged delighted surprise, chatted about the icy conditions and the needs in the community, and agreed that the best part of right now is seeing so many people respond with compassion and kindness to the needs right now. So many eager to love their neighbors. And if running into each other at just that moment wasn't a Spirit thing, then I guess I don't know what is.
If you would like to donate any funds to the school's efforts, they are collecting money via Venmo and 100% of everything connected will be used to buy food for local kids and families. You can email me for the Venmo account. Gift cards from El Burrito Mercado are also being accepted. There will likely be some more hands-on ways to help in the new year. I'll keep you posted as I know more.
Additionally, our Christmas Eve plate offering at Saint Anne's will be donated, in full, to this effort. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the birth of the one who came to teach us to love.
My prayer for you this week is for Spirit to put just the right people in your path, at just the right moment. People who stir up delighted surprise. People who remind you that the world is full of love and compassion. People who offer the world their best, and spur you to do the same. My prayer is that you remember that you are that person for someone else, too.