Her name was Millie Jane Smith. She was lovingly called Mom, by her family. She was quiet, reverent, kind and the baker of the most delicious bread. Monday was her baking day. As a young child I observed her rising early on that special day of the week. She gathered her utensils which would include a large wooden bowl, a wooden board for kneading, wheat flour, eggs, and that famous starter taken from the previous dough. She would begin and by the end of day her artwork was cooling on wire racks. A special day of every week, as a child. We great grandchildren would get a slice of warm bread, with butter and homemade jelly. She would serve it to us and watch as we enjoyed her bounty provided for her family.
She was not only the baker of wonderful bread but she was also the living example of God’s love to her family. Strong in her faith, stoic in the trials of life and prayerful in all things.
Her beloved Joda passed when she was sixty-seven years of age and I was four. I cannot remember her before but after her Joda passed, there was a quiet reverence in her demeanor. I believe that a part of her soul left on that day in 1953. But, she continued providing her love, her guidance, her example of God’s love and her warm gifts of bread formed with beautiful hands.
She would be the first to tell me about Jesus and his love for me. She was obedient and reverent in her walk with God. God in turn cared for her, surrounding her with loving family. She would say she was so blessed.
Isn’t that what God does for us? He asks that we be obedient. He will bless us with His love, His bounty and goodness? Even as we go through the refining heat of trials He continues to place the bread of life and love before us daily.
Scripture for Today:
Deuteronomy 28:5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
Prayer for Today:
Hello Father! Thank you for the ability to remember sweet memories from our past. Those sweet saints who came before us. Though we often fall short, You are there in the heat of the trials watching and preparing blessings as we emerge from the refining fire. May we seek to obey and be more like Jesus each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Wonderful application of that Bible quotation!