"And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends." (John 15:13 NLT)
When Robin and I first got married I wanted her to learn how to make biscuits like my Granny's. My Granny's biscuits were amazing! So thick and fluffy... with a pad of real butter melting within and leaking down the sides... Ahh... ecstasy!
"Granny" was my my mother's mother. She was a farmer's daughter, a coal miner's wife, the mother of five children, and grandmother of 21 (as she proudly proclaimed to anyone who would ask). She was a powerful presence in my life. Her faith in God, her daily habit of Bible reading and prayer, her gospel singing, her gentle touch, her firm correction, and ... her homemade biscuits made indelible marks on me.
In my mind's eye, I can still see her in that old farmhouse kitchen with flour on her hands and apron as she laughed, talked and rolled out dough with a wooden rolling pin. She cut out the biscuits and placed them in a baking pan with the practiced hand of an artist. And make no mistake, her biscuits were works of art.
And they were works of love. When Robin mustered up the courage to ask my Granny about her biscuit recipe, there was a sparkle in Granny's eye as she answered.
"Why honey." She laughed. "There ain't no recipe. I just make them from scratch. Come on the in the kitchen and I'll show you how."
After Robin watched Granny gather her ingredients and begin the mixing process, she asked, "What are the measurements of those last ingredients, Granny?"
"Measurement?" Granny laughed. "I use a pinch of this and a sprinkle of that and touch of this over here and..."
"Oh no." Robin sighed. "I don't think I'll ever be able to make biscuits like you, Granny."
"Sure you will." Granny answered, while patting her on the hand. "Just remember my secret ingredient."
"What's that, Granny?"
"Love, Honey. Love." She replied.
This week as I prepare to talk about loving God with all of our strength. I'm reminded of how my Granny loved God and her family with all of her strength and ability. But most of all I'm reminded of the measure of the love that Jesus Christ poured out for us.
What measure will we use to show our love for Him?
I remember being fascinated by that pull-down drawer in her cabinet where she stored her flour with the ever-present cream can used as both measuring cup and biscuit-cutter!
Donnie and I discussed your posting this morning with the fond memories elicited by it . . . I think I just gained 2 pounds!
Posted by: Barry | March 08, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Only 2 pounds? Add in a tall glass of fresh milk poured from a one gallon glass jug that had to be firmly shaken and not stirred. Now... take a bite, let the butter ooze... chase it with a big drink of milk, don't worry about the white mustache... ahhhh... now that's heavy.
But you ain't heavy. You're my brother.
Posted by: Gary Combs | March 08, 2008 at 12:26 PM
My Granny use to make some awesome home made biscuit too. Must be a requirement to be a Granny. I remember her getting up at 5:00am to start making the biscuits. I miss those wonderful big breakfasts at Grannys house.
Posted by: Steven Wall | March 08, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I sure miss Granny and Popaw.Nobody made bicuits like Granny.I liked mine with jelly.Granny and Popaw would sure be proud of you Gary.I am to.Your cousin Matt Dillon
Posted by: Matt Dillon | March 08, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Hey Steve,
I agree. There must be some kind of granny's biscuit requirement. Perhaps God teaches the class.
Posted by: Gary Combs | March 08, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Hey cousin Matt,
Don't you wish we could go into that old farmhouse and still find them there? I wonder if there will be biscuits in heaven?
Posted by: Gary Combs | March 08, 2008 at 11:12 PM