A year of furlough. Three kids, 3 and under (they were 3; we were under). Add a van, clothes for all seasons, toys, diapers, iron and board, tricycle, sleeping gear, cooler, diapers, music tapes, car seats (3), (did I mention diapers?), earplugs. Destination: 70 churches, spanning the United States. It was a year of blessing and busyness, and by December we were feeling a little foggy and in need of some T.L.C.

We were to spend Christmas with one of our supporting churches in Alabama. They treated us like three kings of Orient, and spoiled us not a little. A different family had "adopted" us for supper each night. I couldn't wait for some home cooking (mine definitely did not count). Christmas dinner came. The meal was a southern delight: ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, greens-- all washed down with sweet tea.

The following evening we traveled into the country, and were again welcomed as only a southerner can. "You must get a lot of chicken and roast beef when you travel. We thought you'd like something different." The meal was a southern delight: ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, greens-- all washed down with sweet tea. Amused, but full and happy, we said not a word.

The third night, we followed directions to our supper destination. Again, such warm hospitality, I didn't care if I ever cooked again. Our hosts said, "You've probably had lots of turkey for Christmas. We thought you'd like something different." The meal was a southern delight: ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, greens-- all washed down with sweet tea.

By now, we were wondering, "How many times can this happen?" Obviously, they hadn't planned it (unless, of course, they were great practical jokers). We thoroughly enjoyed each dinner, but didn't get another meal like it the whole year.

Sometimes we read a passage in the Bible, then hear it again in a sermon, then come across it again in a magazine (combinations may vary). For some reason, the Lord has brought it to our attention, big-time. Why? We may never know. But, we had better chew on it-- get everything out of it that we can. It might be something to soothe and encourage. Maybe the Lord is exhorting us about a particular area in our life that needs fine-tuning-- or a major over-haul. It could be that we will simply pass the scripture on to someone else, so they can be helped by what we've read. Whatever the reason, aren't you glad that the benefits of His Word stay with us far longer than any Christmas dinner!