If Only Food Really Solved All Our Problems

I have a friend that is hurting quite badly right now. So, as a friend, I am hurting as well. I've made myself available to listen, I'm empathizing and I'm praying. But what I really want to do right at this moment is make them a meal or bake some cookies.

Why is it that giving food is such a natural instinct?

• A new baby arrives - we take the family food
  
• Someone passes away - the church provides meals
  
• It's a stressful time at work - the office caters brunch
  
• I fell and have a boo-boo - eat a cookie
  
• My heart is broken - eat a pint of ice cream
  

Food obviously nourishes us on many levels. Speaking as someone who's gone through more than her fair share of heartache over the past few years, I have to say that food really only coats the wound for a moment (and the hips for months).

But knowing that someone cared and wanted to take care of me with such a basic need somehow really does help me heal, albeit slowly.

Maybe the saying, "Time heals all wounds" really should say:

Time and the love of others heals all wounds.