I was just reading Billy Graham’s Decision magazine for July – August 2014, leaving my favourite part until the end, the very last page called “Ruth’s Attic.”
Ruth and Billy Graham
Ruth, of course, was Mr. Graham’s late wife and she had a collection of some of the most interesting and moving stories from average every day people.
The one that I read today is of particular interest to those who may not have exactly what they want in life, or who feel that they’re lacking in something. Please ponder the following story.
In one of F.W. Boreham’s books, he tells of an old Scottish woman living alone and very poor.
But she carefully tithed what little she had and gave to the church. When unable to attend service, she expected a deacon to drop by and collect her offering. The deacon knew well she could not afford it, but knowing also that she would be deeply offended if he did not collect it, he was careful to stop by.
It was late afternoon one day when he made his visit.
Old Mary was sitting near a window having tea.
“The tithe is on the mantel,” she said, greetings over. “Won’t ye sit and have a cup of tea?”
The deacon sat, and when Mary passed him his cup, he looked down in surprise and exclaimed:
“Why, Mary! It’s only water ye have!”
“Aye!” said old Mary. “But He makes it taste like tea!”
“Tea Time,” Taken from “Legacy of a Pack Rat,” By Ruth Bell Graham. ©1989, The Ruth Bell Graham Literary Trust. I found this article on http://www.billygraham.org (http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/july-august-2014/tea-time/)
Oh, that we might have the faith of that old woman! To be content regardless of our situation!
Keep up the good fight!
A Single Christian in a Married World 