There are people on my fridge.
Not real people, of course, but photos.
I currently rent a house that, I believe, God and loving landlords prepared for me as a quick escape to a safe place when the shrapnel of marriage flew through my life. I won’t be there forever, but for now, it is my cozy home.
My kitchen is usually the first room I walk through, and the fridge is prominent.
So are the people on it.
Their photos are a reminder of important people I love, and their faces remind me to pray often.
- My mom (and my dad). I can hardly type these words without tearing up with appreciation for all the love they have poured into me through the years. I miss my dad, but his smile and twinkling, mischievous eyes can cheer me up at a moment’s glance. And my mom is a rock star with the way she has transparently handled life and death with him, as well as dealt with all my turmoil over the last couple years. And she thought the teen years were challenging! I love that she keeps it real with me, in the way she lives her life and the way she encourages me to live mine.
- My daughters and their husbands (well, for one, almost husband, but it will be soon!). Getting to be their mom and friend is a blessing I still can’t fathom at times. Motherhood is hard, but I welcome the responsibility it involves. I’m willing to listen, support, and process with them…even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. I pray they see me as a transparent and vulnerable role model who chooses to honor God even when it isn’t easy.
- My grandbaby. I haven’t met him or her yet, but I have the sonogram photo as a continual reminder to pray as God knits him or her together with purpose.
- Three first-year college students. One is my nephew; one is a best friend’s son, and one is a girl whom I’m blessed not only to be friends with her parents but also have a great relationship with her and a budding one with her younger sister. Each freshman is at a vulnerable and exciting place in his or her life, and the cookies I send might be most welcome, but my prayers are most helpful.
There are others I pray for often even if they aren’t on my fridge. But having photos in a prominent place definitely helps.
We all need people on our fridge.
Who are yours?
Our fridge is full of family photos. Old ones, newer ones… we enjoy looking at the photos and recalling precious times.
Great!
Mine is full of notices for doctor & dentist appointments, wedding invites, and magnets. A recent addition is a magnet with a little prayer: “Dear Lord, So far today, God, I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I’m really glad about that.
But in a few minutes, God
I’m going to get out of bed, and from then on I’m probably going to need a lot more help. Thank you, In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
It came from my mother’s refrigerator. She recently passed away.
Oh, and one other picture graces the collection. It is a photo I took looking out of the kitchen window at the field with one lone tree in the middle and a thicket of trees and bushes in back. I think of all the times Daddy and I stood washing dishes looking at that view.
Thank you for sharing! I feel like I have been in your kitchen! What a wonderful memory you have with your Daddy. And I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know it has been quite the challenging journey, but I also know you have leaned into God through it. I will be praying as you continue to grieve and heal.