Release and Trust + Minestrone Soup

My kids love a good trust fall. As they climb up on something, they declare they’re going to do one and wait for a parent or sibling to come over. With one more glance back to ensure readiness, they stick their arms out, close their eyes, and fall backward, unhindered. Fully trusting that whoever is there will not let them crash to the ground. Nine times out of 10, they don’t—there’s always that teasing sibling that lets them half-fall.

These past few years have felt like a never-ending trust fall. Our future looks about the same. The Lord has not let us crash to the ground once, although a few days have looked like the world was spinning chaotically. He hasn’t even let us half-fall like a taunting sibling would. No, he has always been the solid ground to return to. A firm foundation. Not to be moved, swayed, or shifted by the happenings around me.

The shifting one is me.

I found myself anxious about the next COVID lockdown and what repercussions would follow. Then I would get an encouraging text from a teammate reminding me, “He’s either sovereign or he isn’t.” 

During our hardest lockdown—keeping us locked in our apartment complex for two weeks—I scrambled, along with everyone else, to buy enough food to last. Then sweet friends shared the loot they were able to grab: truly sacrificial in the unknown mess that first day.

I would sometimes get stuck thinking about what would happen if we had a medical emergency and couldn’t get the services we needed. Then I was reminded of the dear local friends surrounding us, absolutely sure they would move mountains to help us.

Being back in the US has brought so much mental rest and a great reduction in daily stressors surrounding Covid policies. However, now we have joined the thousands of expats stuck out of our country of service, waiting to return.

Now I wonder if we will return. Should I have packed more and brought more mementos home? Or was it a faith-filled decision to not pack that way, expecting to return? If we do get to return, what will our work look like since so many of our projects were already crumbling under new policies?

The questions and wonder continue. I can’t ignore the fact that each question is a chance to trust the all-knowing Father more.

We recently gathered with most of our on-field teammates, a rare opportunity on this side of the world. We each took time to share our thoughts and (very loose) plans for the future. None of us felt like the ship had sunk yet and all plan to return . . . when he makes the time right. There are numerous variables at play, but as the tears flowed, we all ached to be back working at what we’ve been called to do for the last five, 10, or 25 years.

And yet, none of us know what will happen tomorrow, next week, or next year. So we trust in the only one who does. I’m extremely comforted when I pause and sit in his omniscience.

If your present or future is looking uncertain, I challenge you to take time to release your plans and trust in the Lord’s perfect ones.

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1–2

In what ways do you need to release and entrust the Lord? Do you have any stories of nervously (or maybe confidently!) trusting the outcome you can’t see and the story unfolding beautifully?

*****

In my neck of the woods, fall has set in with dropping temperatures, crisp air, and the perfect chance to reunite with my favorite soup recipes. My family doesn’t love brothy soup, so I make this minestrone pretty thick and they gobble it up! It’s versatile—I’m not sure I’ve made it the same way twice! I love being able to throw in whatever veggies and proteins I have on hand. The recipe below is my favorite version, though!

Minestrone

Serves: 6-8

Ready in: 1.5 hours

Slightly adapted from Allrecipes

• 1-1.5 lbs of sausage, such as Italian, kielbasa, etc., sliced or crumbled
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Half (or whole) onion, diced
• 2-3 ribs of celery, diced
• 2-3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked beans (or 1-2 cans), such as cannellini, white navy, etc.
• 1 14.5 ounce can of stewed tomatoes, or 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 2-3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1-2 tsp salt
• 2 cups of greens, such as kale, bok choy, or spinach, chopped
• ½-1 cup elbow macaroni (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Add sliced or crumbled sausage to a pan and sauté until browned. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, add olive oil. Once warm, add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until slightly softened. Add garlic, parsley, and 1 teaspoon of salt and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

Add beans, tomatoes, potatoes, sausage, and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and continue simmering for 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

If adding pasta, cook separately in a pot of boiling water, or add directly into the soup. If adding into the soup, be sure there is enough liquid.

Add chopped greens and cook for 5 minutes. Taste to see if any additional salt is needed.

Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired, and enjoy with a crusty piece of homemade bread.