Itz Holistically Wholesome

I’m not sure what’s up with the weather these days, but I’m thinking it may be the result of climate changes. It’s been affecting everything else, so why not the weather too? I know I need not worry about the things I cannot change, but I can definitely control my response to them. So while winter and spring continue to battle out whose season it is, even though winter seems to be infringing on spring; I’ve decided to seize the opportunity and keep making soup. I can always do with an extra bowl or two of heart‑healthy soup to stay warm and nourished.

After considering what kind of soup I should make, I realized I hadn’t made split peas soup all season which happens to be my husband’s favorite. It was a cold day in spring, and he had called to say how chilly it was at work. He’s an electrician, often outdoors, so I thought it would be a kind gesture. I even timed it perfectly so that as soon as he got home, it was warm and ready.

Little did I know that this pot of soup would be shared with others too. My friend called to say she wasn’t feeling well, coming down with the flu, so I thought, why not make more and bring her a bowl? Then I thought of my kind neighbors, maybe they’d never had Caribbean‑style plant‑based split pea soup with a hint of lentils. So of course, I gave them a bowl as well. Talking about spreading the love!

Many times when we think of showing care and love, our minds go to what we can purchase or whether we have enough money. I know because I’ve thought that way too. But this reminds me that love and care can look like a warm, healthy bowl of soup. It’s the thought that counts. So ask yourself today: How can I genuinely show my family and others around me that I care? When we are kind to others, we reveal the love of Christ in us.

By the way, my neighbor was so thankful and returned my bowl with three lovely mangoes, which I’ll use to craft a smoothie to share with him as well. In other words, we keep on giving.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25 : 35‑40

Be well and be blessed.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome