

Brethren,

Last night at church, I heard a story that I trust warrants recalling
for other ears to judge, for the account rendered a riveting portrayal
of a profound conviction and an unyielding faith, enduring and
implacable.  It also might characteristically serve as a purposeful
parable to the vigilant, attentive student.

It concerned a visit by a clergyman who had been called to the home of
one of his parish members.  A devoted, determined lady of the
congregation, of measured means but always at the forefront of the
faithful had received news that a terminal illness had overtaken her and
that her sojourn on earth was near its conclusion.   Few days remained
to place all of her final wishes in due form.

It was a business like meeting.  The usual preferences for the last
services to be performed; selection of a favorite hymn, a particular
blue dress she wished to wear, her favorite bible by her side, and
certain other final arrangements.  The good minister assured the dutiful
gentlewoman that those solemnities that she had requested would be
meticulously obeyed and observed.  When she was satisfied with his
considerate willingness to abide by her desires, she asked for yet
another accommodation.  He was ill prepared and bewildered at the
ensuing, final request made by the affable and genteel supplicant who
appeared to have cheerfully embraced and resigned herself to her
ultimate destiny.

She requested, as a final thought, that she have placed in her right
hand, and it positioned prominently upon her chest, a fork!

The minister, in disbelief, asked the question in cynicism of his
hearing. It was repeated verbatim, with the following explanation.  She
recounted that when the suppers were eaten at church gatherings, those
that she had enjoyed attending so much, that the servers would come by
and simply whisper to the diners to, "keep your fork."  It admonished
them that something really good was yet in store for them.  Further
benefits were going to be forthcoming in addition to that which they had
already received.  Something of luscious worth was also to be enjoyed by
them, after the feast.  The meaning became immediately comprehensible.
She was looking forward with anticipation to a better life than that she
had heretofore experienced.

On his short, but now melancholy walk to his home, the minister pondered
the unusual request and in a most searching manner.  The sermon of the
rudimentary utensil, the fork, was of unprecedented enlightenment.
Truth descended with awkward, unwieldy portions.  The reverend gentleman
concluded that this simple lady had exhibited a much more determined
faith than he and other more sophisticated individuals had manifested. .
she knew more about heaven than did he.

Keep a fork with you wherever you go.  Something good WILL be found for
you to appreciate!

Sincerely,

Charles W. Munro, MPS
PM, Canton Lodge #98 AF & AM
Tyler, Texas and
Hoquiam Lodge # 64 F & AM
Hoquiam, Washington


