God’s Barbeque Kiss

It had been a long, difficult three weeks. My stepmother had fought and suffered a battle that she finally lost. We fought right along with her…loving her, praying for her, being beside her. Weary, worn and full of sorrow, we followed her to a resting place. Afterward, the family gathered at the home of a cousin.

As we walked in, I smelled the delicious aroma of barbeque. The welcoming aroma was tantalizing, and suddenly, I had an appetite. As we approached the kitchen area, there was a wonderful variety of dishes, but no barbeque. I was surprised, but not disappointed, because we were so blessed by the kindness and hospitality, not to mention, the food was delicious and quite filling.

The next day, I could not help but think of the barbeque once again. The aroma had been so distinct, and I could not help but think of a couple at our church, Herman and Patsy Holland, who cook the best barbeque that I have ever eaten. I even thought about the next church dinner…when would that be?

The following day was Saturday. Off and on all day long, I thought about the barbeque. Later that day, I asked my husband if he had smelled anything in particular when we entered my cousin’s house.

“No,” he replied.

 “Are you sure?” I asked. “You didn’t smell anything?”

“No,” he repeated.

“You didn’t smell barbeque?” I asked.

“OHHHHHH, Yes! Come to think of it, yes I did!” he exclaimed.

“Well, I have been thinking about barbeque since then,” I said.

“We could go get some, but we would have to drive to town,” he answered.

“No, I don’t want to do that,” I replied. “I want some of Herman and Patsy’s barbeque. They cook the best. I wonder if I took them a Boston butt, would they cook it for us?”  I queried, as I left the room.

On Sunday morning, as I walked in the social hall, Patsy approached me. “We brought you some lunch,” she said, as she pointed to the sack on the kitchen counter.  It was a generous bowl of their barbeque. Tears came to my eyes…they could not have known, but God did.

I will never forget the blessing of their kindness and generosity following that difficult time for my family. Words cannot express what a joy it was to be loved by God through them. He used them in a special way to bless us with a particular heart’s desire. It was just like God was saying to us, “I hear you, and I love you!” It was one of those unforgettable “God moments” that I will always cherish and remember as a “kiss” from God.