UFF-DA!

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 343

Uff-da! If you’re from Minn-eh-sōta (or parts of Wiz-con-SIN, Nort Dakōta, and maybe South Dakōta), you probably already know Uff-da!

For all y’all non-Scandinavian types—or those not currently living atop the North American tundra—here’s what ya need to know: Uff-da isn’t a person, place, or thing. Rather, it’s an all-purpose expression (pronounced oof-dah) that hails from our beloved Nor-vay!

Loosely translated, it means “Oh my gracious” (or a few similar renditions that might be a smidge more colorful). It’s the ultimate Upper Midwest catch-all for any moment that packs a good dose of surprise, relief, or sheer overwhelm.

Anywho, today I got the coolest Uff-da surprise from my office manager, Jennifer. I’d just stepped into the office and settled in to start editing this week’s Bible study video—which, by the way, is gonna be a total scorcher that you shouldn’t miss (wink, wink; hint, hint)—when Jennifer popped her head in my door.

“Good morning!”

Surprise number one! I’d completely forgotten that she no longer works at her other job on Tuesdays as she transitions out of that role.

After a bit of morning chit-chat, Jennifer said, “Oh, hold on—somebody dropped something off for you.” Next thing I knew, she was handing me a nicely wrapped gift box and a card. At first, she tried to play coy, but she quickly caved and admitted she was the giver—and insisted I open it right away. (I wasn’t allowed to wait; she wanted to see the surprise on my face in real time.)

Anyway, I tore into the wrapping like a kid on Christmas morning, popped open the taped box, and there it was—one of the best gifts ever: UFFDA Barbecue Seasoning.

“Oh, that’s great! I love it!” I said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Jennifer’s card was equally special—handmade, thoughtful, and totally beautiful (it’s still sitting right here on my desk).

While out shopping during a visit with her sister, Jennifer spotted the locally made seasoning and immediately thought of me and my love for smoking meats. Between the bottle, the rub, and the name, it is just so wonderfully Minnesotan. Honestly, it goes down as one of the coolest Pastor Appreciation gifts ever… like, totally ever.

Anywho, this Uff-da surprise completely made my day. I’m genuinely thankful for the gift, and even more thankful for the giver. My Tuesday was already on track to be a good one, but Jennifer’s kindness took it to a whole new level. And ya know, it’s just so nice to feel appreciated and thought of, isn’t it?

Father God, thank You for the wonderful surprise today. Bless Jennifer—and everyone like her—who carries such a generous, giving, and thoughtful heart. May she, and all the quiet encouragers out there, be blessed with some wondrous Uff-da moments of their own very soon.

How have you been surprised this week?