Spread

I know we’re honoring all fathers today, but I couldn’t resist spreading this word now.  Let me tell you, there is no one I knew who could put on a spread like my mother-in-law!  Boy, could she cook and entertain, all seeming like no effort at all.  It just came naturally, as my father-in-law used to say many times.  She loved to cook for her family at any opportunity; and we would tease her when she cooked enough pasta for an army, and it was just for the family.  But her most memorable spread was when the Superbowl came around.  One year, I decided to type up her menu showcasing the numerous (and I mean numerous) selections for appetizers, main courses and desserts.  As I recall at this moment her many spreads she shared with family, friends and even friends of friends, this word takes on another meaning for me.  What she spread through her food and entertaining was her love; and it showed!  What do we always say when something tastes better – it was cooked with love.  At the top of the list, other than her family, was also her faith and her love for God.  Her example was one of the reasons for my strong faith today.   The person who is best known for spreading God’s word most lovingly was His Son, Jesus.  How many people did He touch, how many miles did He walk, how many people’s lives did He change forever by spreading His Father’s message of love and forgiveness?  Still, after over 2,000 years, you and I stand here as believers, and His love lives on through us!   So, when it comes to laying out a spread of physical food, I’ll admit I’m still in awe today of my mother-in-law’s gift of cooking with love.   I can still feel her presence in the kitchen, knowing she is by my side.  I also feel God’s presence each week as I carry on spreading His love through His words.  I pray that we all recognize Jesus’ way by “paying it forward” by spreading His love in your own way.  What can you do to spread God’s love today?

P.S. Happy Father’s Day to both my dad and father-in-law, who spread their love to so many in their lifetime.  “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25