She stood in front of the stove with her back towards me. Looking down at a glass dish filled with warm chocolate goodness, I watched Michelle slice 2×2 inch squares. Carefully, she cut them just the right size so each person could get at least one brownie.
Michelle is at our house almost every Monday night, usually at least an hour before everyone else arrives for the not-so-small small group my husband and I host. She helps me set out plates and napkins, forks and cups. She notices little things that need to be done and tasks I would never ask her to do — like putting dishes in the dishwasher, wiping crumbs off countertops, and slapping throw pillows against couch cushions to get rid of dog hair.
It feels like we’ve been friends for years, yet that night as I stood in my kitchen watching her cut brownies, I realized …
Although I’ve known Michelle for several months, I don’t I {really} know her. Yet, I want to.
I want to know where she grew up, and if she has brothers or sisters.
I want to know what she likes to do with her kids on the weekends.
I want to know why her eyes well up with tears during small group when we talk about God being our Father.
I want to know what she means when she refers to “her past” or “what she’s been through” as though I know the details … because I don’t.
Yet, I want to. I want to know her story.
I knew there was a risk in asking her. I had no idea what Michelle would say, or if she would tell me anything. I didn’t know if we had enough time, but I knew we had extra time that night since group was starting later.
I knew there was a risk in not asking her. If I did not ask, she wouldn’t know I’m interested in all the pieces of her life that make her the woman she is today. Her past had shaped her, and I sensed in some ways it had also shattered her. Yet I wondered…
I’m sharing the rest of this story as well as my heart and how God worked in big ways that day over at (in)courage. It’s my first post as a new contributing writer and I sure would {LOVE} for you to join us, maybe keep me company there today since {you} are my people, and even share a little of your story with me there? CLICK HERE to join me at Dayspring’s (in)courage community blog.