7/13/07

Thursday Night Dinners

Our whole family looks forward to Thursday nights, starting at 5 pm.

What is so special about Thursday nights, you might ask? Is it a TV show? Do we get to eat out? Does someone come over? Do we win something?

We do win something. We are the recipients of a beautifully home-cooked meal every Thursday evening, as our friend, Hoppi, has cooked for our family for almost two years now.

She chose this night at the same time I started my Balcony Girls group on Thursdays, as I would pick the girls up right after school and bring them home with me. And thus ran out of time for dinner making!

It’s humbling for me to write about it now, because our family is so very thankful for Hoppi and her friendship and giving spirit.
I asked Hoppi why and how she came up with this idea? Because in the busiest season of our lives, these dinners are such a benefit to us. And even in Hoppi’s very busy work situation (Hankicards), she still finds time to perform this act of love.

Hoppi has told me that, for her, “Everything is centered around wanting a family.”


















Hoppi’s desire to reach out and bless is a result of wanting a better life, and better relationships for herself after a painful past. She deals with life’s disappointments and pain in a positive way, instead of becoming completely selfish.

Our family reaps the blessing of Hoppi’s labor, but I do believe that Hoppi also reaps a blessing from giving to our family. And what I love the most, besides delicious gourmet meals, is how our children have come to love and appreciate Hoppi and have learned a great life lesson from her determination to reach out and bless.


I’m telling this story for two reasons. One: if you are older and enjoy cooking, and you can think of a way of blessing a young family like ours, maybe you should consider who that family could be. And two: if you are younger and you think this is a great idea, maybe pray for, or seek out, older friends in your life, and ask if they’d be willing to try this.

I hope someday I will be able to repeat this act of love for another young family.

I wonder who it will be?

(Photos: meals cooked by Hoppi, Hoppi and her Auntie Betty whom she dearly loves, Hoppi helping me at my kids birthday parties with the Ice Cream Trough.)

18 comments:

Mrs. Jones said...

What a beautiful lady, and a wonderful example for your children. I remember when I was small, my mother picked up a very old lady named Hazel and we took her to church every week. She always gave me hersheys kisses, and my memories of her are so special. Thanks for sharing this with us. (Hoppi looks like a great cook too!)

Donnetta said...

What an incredible blessing and gift!!! And also what a challenge to the rest of us!...

Elizabeth said...

Wow! What a blessing Hoppi clearly is to your family! We can all learn something from her generous example.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, what a beautiful act of ministry that is. I'm going to have to think on this...

Alida Sharp said...

how sweet to serve others in this way! What a blessing!
Alida

Barb said...

Unfortunately, life sucks sometimes and Hoppi has really dealt with the dark side in a beautiful way here. Everyone should have a Hoppi--lucky Coughlin peoples!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Sandy, what a special friend Hoppi is to you & your family. What a wonderful thing to do!

Rhoda


PS How was Atlanta?

linda t said...

Oh my gosh, you must feel sooooo verrry loved!

Jennifer said...

What a wonderful blessing to have in your life! Giving of oneself is what makes life all the better.
~Jen

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

What a life sharing moment~ for both you and Hoppi.
This would be something my mom-n-law would love to do. After running the cafe she is a little lost, and has trouble cooking for 2.
Hmmmm, I'll give this some thought.

Anonymous said...

For most of 2006 my friend and I cooked for each other once a week. She would deliver a meal on Tuesdays and I would deliver a meal on Wednesdays. We both have three small children and we both looked forward to having a meal delivered on our day! Great way to get something different and just give us a break one day a week.

An Ordinary Mom said...

I think I will be praying for someone to bless my young family this way! What a lifetime of memories to treasure!

Kimmie said...

Would you do me a favor and tell Hoppi that I think she is awesome, honestly I have never heard of anyone doing this for such a long time and for no reason than really just because.

You are blessed and I am sure must be a blessing to this sweet lady. May her tears be turned to joy and may God renew her youth like that of the eagle. I pray that what was stolen from her (in the past) would also be restored to her and that she would flourish where God has planted her.

blessings to you for sharing this sweet part of your life and God bless you for encouraging others to reach out in similiar ways!

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
come meet us- I love new friends!

The Mom of 'em said...

What a heart-warming story! I don't know her - but I love Hoppi! What a wonderful example she is of Christ's love. Amazing woman.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful concept - it blesses the both of you!

La Tea Dah said...

Sandy, I love the idea of your Thursday night dinners. You have been so blessed by Hoppi! I would be more interested in the logistics involved in doing this. Does she give you a list of groceries that you have on hand and then she cooks them up at your house? Or do you go to her house? Please, do share! This is a great idea!

Cathy said...

Hoppi is a true treasure! Your family is so blessed to have her in your life.

Kay said...

What a wonderful lady! I am inspired by her and can only hope to do it someday to some nice family!