When Emily Bugg and Billy Lewis wanted to celebrate their love and share it with others, the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on their plans. But it couldn’t stop their generosity. When the couple was forced to abandon their plans for a lavish celebration, they instead opted for a small ceremony at city hall with a few friends. But having canceled their venue, they were still committed to a $5,000 catering deposit. Rather than try to sue or seek arbitration to get their money back, they decided to ask the caterer for a special order.

Caterer Heidi Coudal recalled, “They said, 'Is there any way we could do something good with our deposit?’” Having previously worked with Thresholds, a nonprofit mental health services provider in the area, Bugg made arrangements for the caterer to make Thanksgiving meal packages that could be delivered to those in need.

According to Thresholds CEO Mark Ishaug, their annual Thanksgiving client meal had been canceled because of the pandemic. He said, “It really couldn't have come at a better time. It's an example of goodness begetting more goodness. In this time of despair and this time of sadness and anxiety and frustration, we need more goodness. This is just one example of how we can take a really dark time and make it much brighter.”

Possible Preaching Angle:

Sometimes God allows us to encounter disappointment in order to prepare us to be a blessing to others; if you’re feeling disappointed, look for the opportunity to turn your situation into a blessing for someone else.