Being alone, useless and uncared for. As a mom whose kids are growing up, those are my biggest fears. But this morning God reminded me that I am not alone. He is working everywhere, through everything to show me how he loves me. Specifically me. This morning, the message was jam-adjacent.

Toast and marmalade. It might not sound like much, but when I sat down this morning to my perfect toast and coffee, I felt like I could cry. Like I was being cared for. Jesus made my body to need breakfast; he made my breakfast to feed and delight me; and he called the jam people to be his hands in the world expressing his love and care for me through a jar of marmalade.

I’m not kidding. I nearly cried. See, I have five kids, and they’re all launching. One is working, one is in college, one is a mother’s helper across the country, and two are on a long camping trip this week. I had no one to make breakfast for. No one to save the marmalade for. But when I sat down at the quiet kitchen table, the Lord directed my heart to his particular love and attention. Whose toast and coffee was this? Mine! Just mine. Just a sweet, quiet breakfast moment with him.

How many pieces of toast have I made for my kids and husband? God knows. A million? Well, this morning God expressed that love and care for me. On toast. And who did God use to express this special care? The marmalade people. When I pause just a moment I can see the loving hand of God working in the world to cheer and comfort and care for all of us. Thanks, Jesus. Thanks, marmalade people.