pies

I recently have been privileged to get to know a lovely woman from my church named Judy. She is a breath of fresh air and is beautifully fragrant the way that only a woman after God's own heart can be. And the story of how a few college kids came to bake pies and form a friendship with a woman who already has grandchildren of her own is a story that I will continue to tell for a long time, beginning now.

We met Judy one day after the church service had ended, and somewhere in the course of small talk, she mentioned how much she loved baking. She could have not known the effect of that comment. After a joyful exclamation from one of the girls in our group, numbers were exchanged, and a date was set for the purpose of baking pies.

St Patricks Day came, and we found ourselves on Judy's front porch, entering a home as beautiful as the heart of the woman who owned it. We learned the art of pie baking, which is saying a lot after experiencing how seriously Judy takes her pies. Within the timeframe of three hours, we cranked out 16 delicious- and completely homemade- pies.

But what was significant about St Patricks Day this year wasn't the delicious pies, although they truly were the best pies I have ever tasted. No, the significance was so much greater than a pastry. The significance was in the community, the sheer joy of just being in each others' presence. And I think we all were surprised to find how quickly this fellowship developed: after only a few minutes of having these college kids in her home, Judy began planning our next event. Our day was filled with laughter and conversation. The blessing of fellowship was evident in every moment.

Last night, a few of us went again to Judy's. And yes, we ate more pie. But after some violin music, conversation, and plugging in of electronics, we found ourselves lying on the floor with pillows listening to a record of 'the Gospel Road' by Johnny Cash.

Friends, it's the simple things. It's pie baking and laughing and drinking coffee and watching the sun set and listening to Johnny Cash late at night. The little things can be the biggest blessings. Like meeting a woman named Judy at church.