Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

Luke 13:8

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, August 31, 2019

“And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.”

It was my second appointment (The Graham Circuit). Mr. and Mrs. Cravens were wonderful neighbors; he was a retired Funeral Home Owner. We both had gardens in our back yard, and one day he asked me if I would help him get some horse manure for the garden. He was always looking out for us, and I was happy to do anything for them.

The day came and he showed up at my door with an armload of burlap sacks. “What are we going to haul it in?” I asked. “The station wagon,” he said; it was the Church’s car. Off we went, a funeral director and a preacher with a soon to be car full of horse manure.

I shoveled sack after sack full, loaded them in the car, and started home. (Did I mention that it was a very hot day?) The power steering went out, but I pulled hard on the wheel and kept going (No way I was going to leave a car full of manure, with the church’s name on it, on the side of the road.)

As we pulled into the back yard, he said, “This is for your garden, it needs some help.” (I thought we were getting it for him.) I was feeling a little flustered, and then Mrs. Cravens came out and said, “Preacher, are you going to put that on your strawberries?” “Yes, I guess so.” Then she said, “I put cream and sugar on mine.”

Forgive my foolishness, but I rejoice in the many experiences that have come along with the ministry. People like the Cravens, and people like you, have been (and are) a part of an overflowing cup of joy. What a wonderful life!

“You’ve got to laugh a little, cry a little
Until the clouds roll by a little
That’s the story of, that’s the glory of love.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

“Link to YouTube Video – The Glory Of Love”