Broccoli & Cheese Casserole With a Side of Banana Bread

​Nothing ministers to my soul at work better than Julie Scott’s banana bread. It’s a winning combination that this beautiful lady has perfected.

It’s agape love at its yummiest.

Julie’s homemade banana bread is her own special recipe for transferring peace to others. It will mysteriously appear on days I need it most and in moments I don’t even know I am going to need it. It always makes me smile. Always.

I can’t eat enough of it. I am obsessed with its delicious sweetness that only brings joy. Even if I want more, I never ask her to make it just for me. I am content to wait because that is how much I love the surprise of discovering her magic tin foil that holds a slice or two of heaven in my box. This rule does not apply when the platter of banana bread appears in the teacher’s lounge.

Julie Scott understands agape.

Agape is love expressed by will or steady intention to do or say something for another’s good.
It is rooted in choice and is an ongoing compassion; it’s pure kindness and joy in giving.
Agape love means that we look for what is good for another person and what is pleasing.
This love is unselfish.

I receive all this in one bite of her banana bread. My unconditional adoration for banana bread is no joke! Did I mention she puts chocolate chips in it?

I think Julie Scott has perfected the very best gift for nurturing the teacher soul. I’ve never seen anybody accomplish what she can accomplish with banana bread. It’s just beautiful!

She offers the love of Christ with every kindness she imparts around her.

Here’s another interesting secret about Mrs. Julie Scott. She is incapable of using profanity. This is always a plus if you teach kindergarten.

A few years ago, I discovered her special talent for turning an “uh oh” into laughter. I went to her room to gather the kiddos for Spanish class because we were all running a bit behind schedule. When I stepped into her room, she suddenly remembered and shrieked, CASSEROLE! The children looked up at me in surprise, and I honestly didn’t know what to do or say. This was all new to me. I was as spellbound as they were.

People have yelled a few things in my direction before. You don’t get to live in Birmingham as an Auburn fan and avoid a confrontation or two with fans from that other team. However, this was a first. No one had ever belted out casserole as I walked into a room.

It didn’t stop there. The class was on high alert; we all waited for what she might say next.

She exclaimed, Casserole! Broccoli and Cheese Casserole! We are late for Spanish! She gave a series of simple instructions, and before I knew it, these precious itty bitties were lined up.

Pure genius.
Casserole for level one.
Cheese casserole for level two.
Broccoli and cheese casserole for level three.

Who knew the word casserole could hold such power? The kindergartners simply adore her. Actually, everyone adores her because her agape comes in all forms- banana bread, chicken salad, or a child sized thank you note full of signatures by your door. Sometimes, it is the faint echo of CASSEROLE coming down her hall.

Julie is agape love at its finest.

She is an inspiration to pass some love along to others around me-
with intention to selflessly share kindness.
with a moment of choice for compassion.
with whatever is good for the person in front of me.

I wonder if agape love comes in a pizza?

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