Proverbs 11:23-30

²³ The desire of the righteous ends only in good;

    the expectation of the wicked in wrath.

²⁴ Some give freely, yet grow all the richer;

    others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.

²⁵ A generous person will be enriched,

    and one who gives water will get water.

²⁶ The people curse those who hold back grain,

    but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it.

²⁷ Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,

    but evil comes to the one who searches for it.

²⁸ Those who trust in their riches will wither,

    but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.

²⁹ Those who trouble their households will inherit wind,

    and the fool will be servant to the wise.

³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

Millie made the best cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls and dinner rolls ever. It was a gift that she freely gave. She was generous in her giving, and so many people benefited from it.

Millie came to Bible Study every week with rolls to share. One man said to her every week, “Millie, these are good – you almost got it perfect – so keep trying!” Another member of the study said he started drinking coffee, because it went so well with Millie’s rolls.

I remember one Bible Study, we discussed our most cherished or prized possessions – if your house were on fire, what would be the one thing you would grab as you ran out the house? Millie’s response: her cheesecloth she used for baking.

Every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, without fail, Millie would call to our house a few days before the holiday and ask if I would be home for a while. She said she was going to drop something off. It was always a pan of each of the rolls, and two dozen dinner rolls. My kids were so looking forward to Millie’s rolls that when the phone rang around the holidays, they would ask if it was Millie calling.

Millie had a gift. Millie shared her gift. She never complained about it, but took great joy in sharing.

This proverb reminded me of Millie. I miss Millie. I miss her rolls. I hope I can give freely to others the gifts God has given me.

Let us Pray: