What Jesus and Pancakes Have in Common

Friend, Appreciate Your Friends, and Count Your Blessings  Originally Written: August 12, 2015

There’s something so sacred about celebrating life with friends whether it's over a meal, a drink, or just some shared laughter. It becomes extra special when the gathering is in someone’s honor. One of the best feelings is realizing people love you enough to stop what they’re doing and show up just for you. Whether it’s a birthday, a milestone, or simply “just because,” there’s always someone behind the scenes coordinating with love and care. And the joy that lights up the room when friends are gathered? Priceless. It’s a beautiful thing when people make time for those they care about. It softens hearts. It reminds us that presence is love in action.

Today, I found myself reflecting on Luke 7:36–50 Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman.

It’s Writing for Women Wednesday, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to share, but I knew I wanted to highlight women, girls, and the incredible people in our lives who remind us that we are worthy. So I tucked my Bible into my bag and re-read the passage during the little pauses of my day.

“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, the other fifty... He cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

This story hit different today. As I stood washing dishes later that evening, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Things have been hard financially while I’ve shifted careers and taken time to care for my health. I left a stable, high-paying job I loved full of people I respected and admired because my body was failing. My kidneys were in serious decline. I was pale, weak, and losing weight at an alarming rate. I could barely walk.

At one point, I had 11 kidney stones. I’m down to one the biggest one.  I’ve passed the rest naturally, with the help of medicine to widen the uterine tubes. Here’s the last stone I passed (yes, ouch)

And yet despite all that pain, I’m grateful. My renewed health is a blessing in itself. And in this season of healing, I feel God pulling me in every direction: to write, to inspire, to counsel, to serve.

Today, I had lunch with some of my favorite people, people I love deeply.  

We were celebrating someone special, and one of our friends, gracious and generous, picked up the tab for the entire table. I was moved beyond words. Before, I might’ve kept mental score. “I’ll get them next time.” But that scripture reminded me: grace doesn’t keep score. Love doesn’t tally receipts. So thank you. With my whole heart.

These last few weeks have been filled with sweet blessings meals and laughter with some of my favorite souls: Karen, Magda, Adriana… your generosity means more than you know. And to my lifelong bestie Dana since we were just little girls your love through the mail makes me believe Santa Claus still exists. Every package is like Christmas morning all over again.

Last night, my daughter and I bonded over hair dye and laughter.  

It was our little way to connect something special just for us. As we talked, I reminded her (and myself) that when we give our time, energy, love we must do so with no strings attached. If we’re constantly waiting to be appreciated or repaid, we’ll spend our lives disappointed. But when we give from the heart, with no expectations? God sees that. And He blesses it in His time.

When I got home from that lunch, someone very special to me had made pancakes for the kids and lasagna for lunch on their day off so I could spend the day bonding with my daughter and her friends. No complaints. Just love. And when Marisa kissed me goodbye, she said something that made my heart melt: “Thank you… for giving me this time even when others need you too. I love you.” My cup overflowed. What a day. What a blessing.

Thinking back to the scripture, I’m struck by the simplicity of love. The woman didn’t bring gold or jewels. She brought her tears. Her sincerity. Her presence. That’s what people remember. That’s what changes lives.

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” —Luke 7:47

Sometimes, it’s not about what you give it’s how you give it. Your presence. Your heart. Your love. It’s enough. And it just might be what someone needs most today.