Keep Your Fork Parable
“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” – Maya Angelou
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” – Matthew 25:34
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures to read, and what dress she wanted to be buried in. She also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible. As he prepared to leave, she suddenly remembered one more thing. “I have one more request,” she said excitedly.
“What’s that?” the preacher replied.
“This is very important,” she continued. “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”
The preacher looked at her, not knowing quite what to say.
“That surprises you?” she asked.
“To be honest, I am puzzled,” he replied.
The woman explained, “In all my years of attending church fellowships and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part, because I knew that meant something better was coming . . . like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful! So I want people to see me in that casket with a fork in my hand. When they ask you, ‘What’s with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them, ‘She believed the best is yet to come.’”
