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Brad Montague's avatar

IN CASE MY HANDWRITING IS TOO HANDWRITEY! LOVE YOU ALL!

Life is a potluck.

I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately.

I’m a little exhausted right now. A little discouraged. Pretty overwhelmed, if I’m honest.

Which may be why the idea of a potluck feels especially kind to me at the moment.

Some seasons, you bring the casserole. Some seasons, you bring napkins. Some seasons, you

show up carrying basically nothing but your tired self and hope folks understand and nobody

makes a big deal about it.

I had a friend, Hugh, who used to talk about the 'power of the potluck.'

He’s gone now, and I really miss him. Because more than talk about potlucks, he lived them.

He brought what he had. An idea or an invitation or a little extra hope. He made room. He celebrated what was there. If something was missing, he didn’t complain.

he gathered people and helped build it.

It’s reminding me how much I want to be at tables like that. If life really is a potluck then maybe it's not about us trying to impress each other. It’s just to be there.

Bring what you can.

Receive what you need.

Make room for somebody else.

If all you’ve got this week is showing up? That counts.

There’s a seat for you.

Shannon Rosenfeld's avatar

Wonderfully true. Love your scanned notebook scribbles💞. Thank you so much for your contribution to today's potluck.

Brad Montague's avatar

Means so much, Shannon. Thank *you* for being at the table.

Jeanye's avatar

I feel this so deeply today!! I read your words every week and often share them. Thank you for sharing your creativity and heart with so many.

Brad Montague's avatar

So encouraged by you. Thanks for the kind words and for being here, friend.

Sage Smith's avatar

Thankful for all the beautiful potlucks we were able to share together. Such sweet memories. ♥️

Brad Montague's avatar

Yes! What a relief and joy to have a light like you at any table. Thank you for the many ways you bring depth and heart and magic to the daily potluck just by being you.

Marc Joblin's avatar

Perfect! Thank you so much for your ongoing encouragement!

Jason Tomlinson's avatar

Needed this. Love you, Brad.

Brad Montague's avatar

Grateful for the many good things your presence brings to this potluck, Jason. Thank you for being you.

Brian Shea's avatar

I used to run potlucks at an old job. After a few, I realized that some people didn't come because they didn't know what to bring or didn't have time or felt their contribution wouldn't be "good enough."

So we told them they could contribute any amount to go toward buying a main dish (usually fried chicken or pizza) because there are always desserts and sides, but rarely main dishes. They could just give me money and be the hero of the meal!

Minaz Ansari's avatar

Sharing food is the best way to spread love and heal the world! Let's share some food with someone today ❤

Thomas Cleary's avatar

And sometimes when you only have yourself to give in conversation or help it brightens others through your

stories or advice as well as your helping hands which make the work go faster.

Linda Thompson's avatar

"Bring what you can. Receive what you need. Make room for somebody else."

I'd like to have a seat at the table of that potluck of life.

Jodi Murphy's avatar

I just want to be there - give, receive, show up, make room 🪑 Thanks for always tapping into all the feelings I'm feeling.

Julia Skinner's avatar

We understand Brad!

Sarah Pickering's avatar

Oh I love this. There is such deep wisdom in this poem.

Thank you for sharing your friend who was so good at potlucks with us.

May you too, 'Bring what you can, take what you need'

Rebecca's avatar

Sending love, support and your favorite pot luck dish your way! Thank you for all you do to keep us motivated and inspired, Brad. I appreciate you!

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Apr 21
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Brad Montague's avatar

Ahhhh. I am so happy you're here sharing at the potluck, too. Thank you!