Because of Her

"It is not primarily out of compassion for humanity that we share our faith or pray for the lost; it is first of all, love for God.” ~ John Piper

My Aunt Jean lived right down the road from us, our nearest neighbor.  She and my Gran were best friends, so growing up we spent a lot of time at her house.  We picked peas in her fields.  Ate lots of "Aunt Jean's candy," which I now know to be the mini Hershey's bars that she bought at K-Mart.  I can still remember the clothes pin apron she always wore, the color and location of her living room furniture, and how even if we had been there for hours, when we left, she'd always say, "I just sure wish y'all wouldn't run off!"

When her daughter posted a Mother' Day tribute, she thanked her mom for being the best at many things, including teaching her children common sense and to love God.  The comments started pouring in.  I was first and said that any list of what Aunt Jean did best simply had to include cheesecake.  Y'all.  I don't even like cheesecake.  But she made hers with some sort of manna from Heaven because it was to.die.for.

I enjoyed reading through the rest of the comments that day as well, people remembering her cinnamon rolls, carrot cakes....anyone noting a theme here?  And then, one comment really stood out.

"Because of her, my husband is on his way to Heaven one day."

Stopped me dead in my tracks.  Everything else...all the money, all the diplomas, all the baking ability....doesn't matter.  This is what we're here for.  To help God lead each other to Heaven. How often do I completely miss the point? Aunt Jean didn't.  And there is no cheesecake that can beat that.  Although, Aunt Jean's did come awful close.