A woman met with her pastor to discuss her final wishes, as she only had a very short time to live. After they discussed the plans for the funeral, she remembered one final request that was very important to her. She said, "I want to be buried holding a spoon in my right hand." The pastor gazed at the woman, at a loss for words. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "You see, Pastor, in all my years of attending potluck dinners, I remember that when the dishes were being cleared, someone would lean over to me & say, 'Keep your spoon.' I knew then that something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie...something wonderful to end the meal!" As the pastor listened a smile came upon his face. The woman continued, "So, I just want people to see me in the casket with a spoon in my hand & I want them to wonder, 'What's with the spoon?'" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your spoon--the best is yet to come." The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged her good-bye.
So, the next time you reach for your spoon, let it remind you, oh so gently, that the best is yet to come.
My friend, Julie, gave this spoon & story to me before I left Washington. It is such a sweet gift & I wanted to share it with you. (I am not sure who to credit the story to.)
I have a big stash of vintage spoons & I'll be making them into ornaments like the one Julie gave me, for the ladies of my church on Sunday. I love the hope in the message & the reminder of good things ahead. Not only when my days here in this world are over, but every day there are good things to look forward to. And I keep in mind & heart the important things that matter.
Especially this season.
Merry Christmas!
♥
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