Day 30 - Let Them Eat Cake, Because I Can't

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2: 42

Thursday, April 7, 2011

After a quick cleaning of the house, and an even quicker breakfast of bacon and peaches, I headed to my Bible study, which was followed by a fellowship lunch in my home. It was a beautiful day, and I was looking forward to breaking bread with these prayerful women.

We were to each bring our own lunch, and my task -- besides opening my home -- was to provide beverages and dessert.

So I put the cat on the back porch where she wouldn't bother our meeting, poured cold tea into the pitcher, set out glasses, plates and silverware, and pulled my pre-made salad from the fridge.

Then I cut the cakes. Yep, that's right. CAKES. One lemon, one chocolate. Triple layers. With filling and frosting and sprinkles. I cut them into pretty, sweet-smelling, wedges of delicious-looking pastries. And I didn't even lick my fingers. I didn't lick the knife. I didn't touch a crumb.

Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' " She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah. 1 Kings 17: 13-16

It was a delightful meal, full of laughter and hospitality, shared faith and feminity. My joy was found in serving, not eating, the cake. I sent the leftover tea home with one of the women and took the remaining cake to the kids to eat after school.

Dinner tonight was leftover roast and vegetables. Simple fare, but a fitting end to such a blessed day. Thank you, God, for fellowship, friendship, faith and faithfulness. Thank you, God, for you.

You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Psalm 128: 2