My pastor retold the story today of the woman who asked to be buried with a fork in her hand. The confused pastor asks why and she explains that it was always her favorite part of food centered gatherings. When the plates were being cleared and someone let her know to "keep your fork," that meant there was more to come. More like apple pie with ice cream, red velvet cake, chocolate moose, or even crème brûlée. And if you are a dessert person, you've got to get excited in that moment. You're not sure exactly what's coming, but you know what it's going to feel like and surely the best is yet to come! Of course I went to www.spopes.com and looked up the story as soon as I got to a computer later that evening. It is a Roger William Thomas short story from Chicken Soup for the Soul. It is probably not factual, but heart warming just the same. The woman in the story is young and dying of cancer. In a moment without hope for some, she remembers the greatest hope of all.
So why at 29 years old, am I leaving my dream job, my family, my friends, my church community, my apartment in the city, my blow dryer, my quiet time, my contact lenses, my dvr, and my puppy dog to go on an 11 month mission trip? My level of comfort in basic needs has caused me become something I never imagined. I have become very ME centered. I worry when I should not about things I should not. I’ve forgotten how to form real community.
As I prepare to leave all of the material and some very precious nonmaterial things bring me daily comfort and slowly cause me to forget what a tiny part of life this part here on earth is, I’m not at all scared. People are worried for me, for my safety and health. But I know deep down in my heart, a part of my heart that has been trampled on by life and love, and has cried out so many times for healing, that I’m on the right path. I have been called to this mission. I’m ready to truly love a stranger. To live in close community with like minded individuals and have almost no time to myself. To help people in any way that I can and be prepared for the heartbreak that I can’t give them all that they need. To show them the love of Jesus Christ, give them hope, and tell them the good news. That they should keep their fork, hold on to it tightly, because the best really is yet to come!
