Keep your fork

Have You Heard the Story About the Fork?

There was once a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and given just three months to live. As she prepared her affairs, she invited her pastor over to discuss her final wishes. With grace and thoughtfulness, she shared her plans: the hymns she wanted sung, the scriptures she wanted read, and even the clothes she wished to wear. She also asked to be buried with her favorite Bible.

As they finished, the pastor prepared to leave, but the woman suddenly lit up, remembering something important.

“Oh, there’s one more thing!” she said with a smile.
“What’s that?” he asked.

She replied, “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”

The pastor was momentarily taken aback, unsure of what she meant. But the woman’s eyes twinkled as she explained:

“In all my years of attending church potlucks, there was one thing I loved hearing most as the main dishes were cleared: ‘Keep your fork.’ That simple phrase always meant that something better was coming—dessert! Maybe velvety chocolate cake, maybe deep-dish apple pie. I knew it was going to be something special, something sweet and satisfying.

So, when people see me in that casket holding a fork, I want them to wonder, ‘What’s with the fork?’ And then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork—the best is yet to come.’”

The pastor, moved by her words, hugged her tightly. He knew her time on earth was short, but her confidence in the promise of heaven was a testimony that would inspire many.

At the funeral, as friends passed by her casket, they noticed her beautiful dress, her well-loved Bible, and the fork in her hand. Over and over, they asked the same question: “What’s with the fork?” Each time, the pastor smiled. During the eulogy, he shared the story, and hearts were stirred by the message: Keep your fork—the best is yet to come.

This past week, I lost a dear friend to a long battle with cancer. She was faithful, strong, and courageous, and her unshakable trust in God humbled all of us who knew her. Shortly after her passing, a mutual friend sent me a picture of a fork hanging on her Christmas tree. The caption read: “Peggy is enjoying dessert.”

Amen and amen.

So, next time you reach for a fork, let it remind you, oh so gently, that spiritually speaking, the best truly is yet to come.(Hebrews 11:16; Hebrews 13:14; Ephesians 2:4-6; Colossians 3:1; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 1:3-4)

God will meet all your needs

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

I still remember a pivotal moment early in our marriage. After hearing a powerful message on giving, Brian and I found ourselves wrestling with how to respond. Over coffee one Sunday, we decided to ask our pastor for advice. We were full of questions: Should we give to the church or to other organizations? What percentage should we give? Should it be before or after taxes? This year or next?

Our pastor listened patiently and then, with a kind smile, asked us a question that struck right at the heart of our concerns: “Are you asking what’s the least you can give and still be considered generous?”

We sheepishly admitted, “Yes.”

His response was simple yet profound: “Why don’t you just start somewhere?”

And so we did. We began giving, even in small ways, and we quickly saw the truth of God’s promise in Philippians 4:19 unfold in our lives.

In this verse, Paul is writing to people who have given generously to support his ministry. He reassures them from his own experiences—times of both abundance and need—that God is faithful. No matter the circumstances, Paul confidently proclaims that “My God”—a deeply personal declaration of trust—“will meet all your needs.”

Notice the breadth of this promise: God will meet all your needs, not according to the limits of human resources, but according to the inexhaustible riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Whatever you’re facing today—whether it’s a relational, physical, spiritual, or financial challenge—remember this: Your scarcity does not limit God’s generosity.

I want to encourage you to take a moment today to recommit to living generously in whatever way God leads you. Whether it’s giving your time, resources, or talents, trust that God will faithfully provide for your needs. Bring your concerns to God, and rest in the assurance that God’s abundance is more than enough.

Refreshed

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25

I have a friend who truly embodies this verse. They are generous with their work, unselfish with their time, and openhanded with their money. No matter how much they give, they always seem to have more—more energy, more joy, more to offer.

In my own life, I’ve noticed something similar. During the toughest seasons, when I’m feeling weary or overwhelmed, the simple act of listening to someone else or encouraging a friend often ends up refreshing my own soul. Have you ever experienced that?

This proverb reveals a truth that isn’t always easy to grasp. At first glance, it may seem like a generous person should always receive material abundance or immediate blessings in return. But God’s promise goes deeper than that.

The principle in this verse reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. Yes, prosperity can mean material abundance, but it also refers to something far more significant—spiritual and emotional well-being. God meets our needs in every area of life. When we give—whether it’s our time, energy, or resources—we’re not relying on our own strength but on the limitless resources of Christ.

So, whatever you’re facing in this season, don’t underestimate how refreshing it can be to bless someone else. Generosity has a way of lifting not just others but also our own hearts.

Is there someone you know who needs encouragement today? A friend who could use a kind word, a helping hand, or just someone to listen? Before you doubt your ability to give, pause and ask God if He’s calling you to step in. Then trust Him to provide the strength, resources, and courage you need.

When you refresh others, God has a beautiful way of refreshing your soul too.