Recently I came across an article by Isha Judd, the author of “Why Walk When You Can Fly.” In the article Isha refers to a tragic plane crash and speaks of the unpredictability of life. Here is an excerpt from that article:
We are reminded that life changes, sometimes abruptly, dramatically, unexpectedly. What is present in one moment can be gone in the next: no matter the nation, no matter the motivation or the cause, loss moves us all, for we have all experienced it in some way or another.
But just as life is unpredictable, it is also wonderful. The opportunities to share love, to discover the best of ourselves, to discover selfless giving and inner evolution in every moment are always present.
Sometimes we don’t see those opportunities until someone else shows them to us… and my friend Melissa is the kind of person who does just that. About two years ago Melissa began a campaign at the First Presbyterian Church to host a community dinner one night a month. The amount of work that went into that effort was daunting, yet Melissa persevered. She continues to put time and money into this cause where her only rewards are the smiles that she receives from the grateful people that have been welcomed and fed.
Melissa has shown us how to reach beyond ourselves to those who are in need in our midst. I know I speak for many when I say that we appreciate what she has done… and this afternoon I brought a Dutch Apple Pie to Melissa to thank her for being such a kind and compassionate role model.
Don’t forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. –Hebrews 13:2
Pie a Day Give Away 
Melissa is so deserving of this pie! Her smile always warms my heart. She is truly a kind and such a thoughtful person. A great selection! We are so lucky to have her in our midst.
Thanks Donna… She has been on my mind for a while and yesterday just seemed like a perfect day! And yes, we really are lucky!
Karen,
The Dutch Apple Pie was DELICIOUS!!! Thank you for that sweet gesture which absolutely made my day. Thank you also for your kind words (maybe someday I’ll be able to live up to them!) and for being the special person that you are. You are amazing! It was wonderful to be a pie recipient. We are so blessed to have you in our lives, Karen. And by the way, we appreciate YOUR dedication to 1st Pres., all of the good work that you do, your help with the dinners, the years that you spent on Session and heading up Parish Life (so much work!)… and all that you do to make the world a better place. You do it all with unparalleled grace, humor, and love. Karen, you are my inspiration and, I feel lucky to say, my dear friend.
With much love,
Melissa
Yea! Melissa has such a positive “can do” attitude and gives so much to our community. Thank you for recognizing her with a pie!
Yes! Yeah, Melissa! Yeah, Karen! Yeah, pies of blessing.