There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She had been given three months to live and was getting her proverbial things in order.
She called her Pastor and asked him to come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She explained to him how she wanted her memorial service to go. Which songs she wanted to be sung, what scriptures she would like to read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
Notes were made and all the preparations were in order when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her:
“There’s one more thing.”
“What’s that?” asked the Pastor.
“This is very important,” she insisted. “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”
The Pastor paused and looked at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. “A fork?”
“That surprises you, doesn’t it?” the young woman asked.
“Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,” he replied.
She explained, “My Grandma once told me this story, and from then on I’ve always tried to pass along the message to those I love and to those who are in need of encouragement.”
“Grandma said, ‘In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, “keep your fork.” It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!’”
The young woman continued, “So, I want people to see me there in the casket with a fork in my hand. And I want them to wonder, ‘What’s with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them, ‘Keep your fork. The best is yet to come.’”
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Today, pause for a moment and be reminded that, truly, the best is yet to come.
And keep your fork!
That’s worship.
–Pastor Steve.