When God Serves Purpose Between Chicago Meals
What began as a simple speaking engagement in Chicago quickly transformed into an unexpected culinary and spiritual journey through the Windy City. After delivering my message of resilience at the conference, drawing on my own experience as a cancer warrior, I decided to extend my stay to explore this magnificent city I’d heard so much about but never visited.
My first morning, I rose early for prayer time overlooking Lake Michigan. The sunrise painted the sky in hues that reminded me of Psalm 19—the heavens truly declaring God’s glory! Energized by both prayer and anticipation, I set out to experience Chicago’s renowned food scene.
At a charming neighborhood diner, I discovered the comfort of a classic Chicago deep-dish pizza—layers of cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and toppings in a buttery crust. As I savored each bite, I wrote in my journal: “This pizza reminds me that good things take time to create, just like purpose from pain.” The waitress and I struck up a conversation, and she shared her own battle with grief. Before leaving, we prayed together right there in the booth, and I left behind both a generous tip and, I hope, a spirit of encouragement.
The following day brought me to Millennium Park, where I stood before the famous Cloud Gate sculpture—affectionately known as “the Bean.” As I gazed at my reflection, distorted yet whole in the polished surface, I was struck by how perfectly it illustrated the message I often share with widows in my ministry: our lives may feel misshapen by loss, but we remain complete in God’s sight.
I took a selfie reflected in the Bean to share with my Heels, Flats and Pearls community, captioning it with my favorite verse, Philippians 4:13. While taking the picture, I noticed a woman watching me with curious eyes. She approached, having recognized me from my book, “When the Widow Prays.” What followed was an impromptu ministry moment right there in the busy park, concluding with both of us embracing beside the gleaming sculpture. God’s appointments never cease to amaze me!
As my plane lifted off from O’Hare the next day, I looked down at the city grid below, thinking about how this journey had nourished both body and soul. I opened my journal and began drafting ideas for a new devotional series—”Table to Table: Finding God’s Purpose in Every Season”—inspired by the unexpected ministry moments I’d experienced between delicious Chicago meals and one magnificent, reflective Bean.
I’m reminded once again that ministry happens anywhere and everywhere when we remain open to His leading. Even a tourist trip can become holy ground when we walk with open eyes and a willing heart.
Until next time, Emma
