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A shortbread story

Joyce Schwab

I was high on Jesus. I’d been in this condition for nearly a year. I had become a child of God. I was His kid, and He loved me. I sort of giggled all the time. The past year had been so good. I had met many new friends – talented, beautiful, godly people. It was a joy to hear their testimonies of how they had become Christians and were rejoicing in the goodness of our Saviour. It was an awesome time in my life.

December was always my favourite month, and I was baking shortbread for Christmas. Now that I knew Jesus, the Son of the living God, in a personal way, Christmas had become more meaningful. I longed to share His love with others.

I thought of my new friends and how each one had a special talent. Many could play an instrument, sing or teach Sunday school. Their prayers seemed so holy that it made me weep.

Suddenly I realized that I didn’t have anything to offer the Lord. This realization made me crumble, crying and wondering: Why did the Lord choose me? I didn’t have a thing to offer. I was 58 years old, and I didn’t know very much about the Bible. I didn’t excel in anything. I sang like a crow, and I couldn’t pray out loud. What did Jesus see in me?

I felt the Lord say, “What are you doing now, Joyce?” I stammered that I was baking shortbread. Jesus told me that He was the Bread of Life and that I should go to my neighbours with this message, giving my shortbread away to show His love. I could giggle again because I had become a cookie lady for Jesus.

Joyce Schwab lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

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Last modified May 3, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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