Holidays

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The Kitchen Light
By Missey Butler


There are usually only a handful of people who truly make an indelible imprint on the pages of our life. One of those people for me was a lady by the name of Shirley. She was one of those rare souls whose life was characterized by her giving nature and her many selfless acts of love. When you spoke with her, she made you feel as if you were the most important person in the world and whatever happened to be on your heart at the time, was of utmost importance to her. She always had time to listen.

She was so loved within the community. In fact, it was a well known among her family and friends that whenever her kitchen light was burning, all who needed a friendly ear or an impartial voice were more than welcomed to come in and join her. It matter not what time of the day or night it was, she always had a fresh pot of coffee brewing and an attentive ear waiting, as you joined her there at the kitchen table.

Many of my girlfriends from school would want to go and visit with her because they knew she had lots of wisdom and sage advice to give them about how to handle that difficult species called boys!

Shirley was truly a “light on a hill” for many people. When ever I would read that passage from the bible, I couldn’t help but think about that very special lady who imparted so much, to so many.. I especially think of her at Christmas time, because she truly loved the season. Her kitchen was always filled with wonderful aromas and the mixing bowl never stopped humming! She had holiday cakes lined up on the counter top, waiting to be iced and decorated as love offerings to family and friends!

I miss seeing her kitchen light burning softly there in the window. You see, she went on to be with the Lord many years ago. That special lady was my mom.

She was quite a gift from God, as my dad and us kids know only too well! Even at her funeral the light of her presence was there, as different ones stood up and spoke about how powerfully she had impacted their lives by the example of her selfless love.

Yes, Shirley, (who I happened to by named after) left us with a beautiful example of what the Christ-life looks like. She left us with the legacy of her “kitchen light,” the “always glowing” invitation to come and rest awhile, as she encouraged us with a word in season and a smile that spoke of unconditional love.

Every year at Christmas time, I love to “take in” all the splendor of the grand illuminations of the neighborhood lights and candles so beautifully decorated for the approaching holidays. But none of them can compare to the wonderful memory of that soft glow of light that always burned brightly, lovingly... from the window of my mother’s kitchen.

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