For some reason my mother slipped into my mind today. She was a beautiful woman both on the outside and inwardly. Today we heard about the parable of the great banquet. Invitations were sent to many guests to attend a special celebration. The earthly story with a heavenly meaning tells us that many are called, but few are chosen. Maybe that’s why my thoughts turned to her. I’m certain my mom is in heaven. I’m also convinced that I will see her again when I get there.

She was a special woman in so many ways. For one thing she had to put up with my father, my sister and myself. That in itself, showed great fortitude. She and my dad lived a fairly average life, but they managed to scrape up enough money to give my sister and me a Christian education. I had the honor of spending most of her later years with her. Her faith inspired me, even though she felt she lacked the knowledge she felt necessary regarding religion. To me, it was the way she lived that made her “knowledgeable.” She lived her faith and showed love and compassion to others. She made no distinction when it came to sharing herself. Her childlike faith made her precisely the kind of person that God invites to heaven. She taught me many things in my life, but I treasure the greatest gift she introduced to me early on. She took me to church. She made sure I learned about Jesus. She showed me how to rely on Him in all circumstances by the way she endured hardship, despair and loss. I would watch her pray and knew she had a close relationship with her Savior. Though there were many times she had to chase me down while in the church, but she set an amazing example for me. There was no doubt in my mind that she is partaking in the great feast God has prepared for her and all those who accept His invitation.

Whenever I hear a sermon about stewardship I think of my mom. She knew how to listen to people – how to empathize and sympathize when necessary – shared words of comfort when needed. We don’t need theological degrees to spread God’s love to others. It’s a free gift designed to be shared with others. There’s a hymn that sums it up.

If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul,

You can tell the love of Jesus. You can say He died for all.

If you cannot rouse the wicked with the Judgement’s dread alarms,

You can lead the little children to the Savior’s waiting arms.