In Giving, We Receive

This past Sunday, we heard these words from Jesus: "Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward." (Mark 9:41 - NRSV)  Jesus tells his disciples that there are more on Jesus' team than just the disciples. That message rings true for us as well - it's not just the pastors and the staff, but the whole people of God who make up the church. The church is made up of people who are invited and encouraged to use their gifts in sharing God's love. Some do that by singing, some by reading, some by greeting, some by serving on church council, some by teaching. Millie served by baking.
Millie was a member of my previous church. She made the best, and I mean BEST sticky buns and pecan rolls I have ever had. She used to make them for Bible Study classes and Pot Luck dinners. One of the Bible Study regulars told her every single week, "Millie, you almost got it right. Keep trying!" He was just hoping she wouldn't stop trying! Another member said Millie is the one who caused him to start drinking coffee because the rolls taste so much better with coffee!
Every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, the phone would ring at our house. Millie made two or three pans of rolls each holiday for our family and brought them over for us. She would call ahead to let us know she wanted to stop by and drop off something for us. We knew what it was going to be! When the phone rang that time of year, the kids would ask, "Is that Millie?" We were blessed by her gift.
I recall at a Bible Study asking the question, "If your house was on fire, what is the one thing (besides people and animals) would you make sure you grabbed as you ran out of the house?" Millie's answer? Her cheese cloth she used for baking.
Millie passed away last week at the age of 91. I have been thinking about her the past few days. She never was one to speak up at a meeting, or want to read or sing or preach or teach. She did what she loved to do. She loved to bake. She loved to share her gift with others. And because of it, we were blessed and weigh a couple pounds more!
I have a feeling there may be some of those rolls at God's banquet feast. I encourage you to try some when you get there. And I imagine God is saying, "Millie, you got it just right!"

Peace,
Pastor Charlie