Several years ago, I heard a story that impressed me so much that I wanted to share it with everyone I met. Occasionally this story returns to the forefront of my mind and stays there for several days. I ponder all the ways I can make contact with the world at large and then I get distracted and the story fades into the recesses of my mind. The plot is so simple. For some unknown reason I usually feel compelled to add extra details when I am telling the story. Like the salvation story, the simple facts are all that is needed to get the full impact. This week the story visited me again in my mind and I am going to try to follow through this time. I hope these few words will have an impact on the readers of my blog. I hope the post on my pages will serve as a way to open conversations with people who need to hear the simplicity of Christ and the profound change He can make in their lives. Below is my version of the story I heard, may it be a blessing to the readers, and to those you tell.
The Story of the Fork
The aging woman lay dying, her grown daughter sitting close beside her bed, softly crying. A gentle smile spread slowly across the elder woman’s face as she spoke to her daughter in a tender, loving voice. “Carrie, it is almost time, before I go please make me a promise. I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.” With concern, her daughter asked her why she would make such an odd request. “It is very simple, my darling. When I was young, every summer we had the most delicious meals on the back porch at my grandma’s. The fried chicken, fresh peas and corn on the cobs were the best in the county. After the meal my Aunt May would come around and tell us all to “hang onto our forks” as she gathered the plates. It was a sign that the best part was yet to come; someone was cutting the fresh baked pies and seven-layer cake in the kitchen. I am leaving this earth soon, but the best for me is yet to come. I will be in Heaven with my Savior soon and I am ready." “But Mama,” her child protested, “people will think it is crazy, a fork, in the casket?” “Daughter, it will be my last gift of service to my Lord, here on earth. I need your help to keep my testimony alive. At my service, watch the faces and tell this story to everyone that looks confused or asks about the fork. I want everyone to be ready; the best is yet to come.”
Christ lived on the earth and died on the cross to provide a way to Eternal Life for all those that would believe in Him, confess their sins and follow Him. Like the story above, He promised to prepare a Feast in Heaven. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord I pray that you will ask Him today to reveal Himself to you. May God receive the honor, and glory and praise in all things.
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