My mother used to tell me not to save my clothes. Go ahead and wear your best today, she’d say. Guest blogger Karla Foster explains how the same applies to the marshmallows.
Rummaging through my pantry, I came across a bag of marshmallows. I almost returned it to the back corner, but decided to bring it into the light instead.
Expiration June 2009. Oops.
Apparently, one day in 2008 I thought it might be nice to make Rice Krispies Treats. How many times since then had my hand brushed across the marshmallows looking for another ingredient?
I’d think to myself, “I should make something with these.” Then in the same breath, “No, I should save them.”
Not now. No time. Save for later. As I stared at the marshmallows now in our trash, I thought about what was missed because of my excuses.
The marshmallows could have been a quick dessert for a family in need. A greeting to a new neighbor. A snack for a friend’s kids. Or even a sweet reward for lots of us working out at the gym.
Recently, a member of our Sunday school class entered the hospital in a life and death battle. This only gives me more pause to consider that I am not guaranteed a later. There is just today. There is just now to do what God is calling me to do.
Be holy as I am holy. Go and tell all the world. And so much more. There are kind words to share, notes of encouragement to be written, prayers to be lifted.
Why wait? And for goodness sake, don’t save the marshmallows.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” Proverbs 3:27-28 NLT
The Winans’ voices are smoother than s’mores. This song is an oldie—even older than Karla’s marshmallows, but such a goodie. Take a listen now to Tomorrow.
Karla Foster and her husband Bill are dear friends of ours.
Besides teaching Bible study and apologetics classes with Bill, whipping folks into shape as an aerobics instructor, and making the occasional pan of Rice Krispies Treats, Karla enjoys a successful career in IT sales.
Oh, and she’s a Tarheel, which never hurts on this blog.
I am so glad these thoughts meant something to yawl. God lays something on your heart. I am grateful He allowed me through Aimee to share.
Karla
Thank you, Karla, for sharing your story with us!
LOVE! I think this will be my new favorite saying ;)
Emily
Wonderful, Emily! It’s a happy reminder, I think.
All too true.
:)
I love how the marshmallows, something so insignificant, is used to make such a striking point.
Me too. Big lesson, small messengers…
I enjoyed this! And use the good china too. What are we really saving all of this stuff for?
Amen. Today is the day and this IS the good stuff!
Gonna pop some in my hot cocoa today. =] Love the Winans’ tune!!!!!!
Man, me too, Suz! Love me some Winans…
This can’t be good….thoughts like this make me live off pizza! HA! I’m kidding, I get it.
Tiff, in your current “condition,” you eat whatever you want, girlfriend! :)
What a beautiful concept of “don’t save marshmallows”. I have done the exact same literally and figuratively. Aimee, thanks for featuring your friend Karla. I really needed to read this today!
When Karla sent me this story, I related to it immediately. Glad you did too.