A knock on the door interrupted my conversation with my mother as she looked up and whispered, “Oh no, I don’t remember her name.”
I went to the door, invited her in and introduced myself. “It’s nice to meet you,” she replied. “I’m Jan from down the street. I thought your parents would enjoy some soup I made today.” After a short conversation, I thanked her, and she began to leave, then turned, and added, “ I learned this from your Mom, you know.” My puzzled look cued her to explain. “Shortly after I moved here, I fell ill. Your Mom didn’t even know me, but she brought me soups and pies. It was so nice, I knew that when I had the opportunity, I wanted to do the same for others.”
When Mom died three weeks later, I knew that she was safe in God's hands. Her reputation for assuring that others were cared for was her chariot to heaven. At the memorial service and days later at the funeral, I greeted the guests, one after another speaking of her compassion and generosity. Then looking up above the display of family photos, I saw her smiling down on her family and friends. Her reward was more than eternal life with God. It included the joy of seeing her family comforted by hundreds of neighbors and friends who remembered the woman who brought delicious food to them whenever they needed a helping hand.
God's grace sent us the Messiah, that by faith and through our love of God and neighbor, we may enjoy our relationship with God forever. Titus 3:7
