While eating breakfast recently, my eyes suddenly focused on a strange sight. Several customers were clustering around the next table with their phones pointed to an unusual object. The waitress had just placed a large platter of pancakes before the customer. What was going on?
A waitress informed us that there is a special deal. If one person can eat this stack of griddle cakes (the batter weighed 6.5 pounds) in one sitting, the meal is free. We watched as our neighbor began the challenge. He carefully sprinkled sugar on the top flapjack, sliced it in half, rolled it up, and began to eat. First bite was giant. Slowly, as he chewed that piece disappeared. He wrapped up the remaining half.
As I glanced over again, I realized NOTHING was happening. No more cutting, nibbling, or swallowing; just a guy sitting there looking discouraged. He did NOT make it to the finish line. Our waitress informed us that in the thirty years of the challenge, only three customers had completed the task and won a free meal. One of the winners had dipped each bite into a glass of ice water and then basically just swallowed. The record time for consuming this mountain of cooked batter was eleven minutes.
Driving home, I remembered the scene and thought about our Christian lives. How often do followers of the Lord start out with excitement, energy, and commitment, but as time passes, their light for Christ begins to dim. Volunteering, worshiping, sharing, or participating in anyway becomes less frequent and suddenly their presence is never seen.
James, the servant of God, reminded the early Christians of God’s promise. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Yes, we have to finish our “platter of life.” We must persevere until our final breath. Then we will receive the prize of being with the Lord for eternity.
Don’t give up. Each of us may serve in a variety of ways, based on our own skills, talents, and interests. Yes, just as the pancake eaters varied their eating styles from sprinkled sugar to dipped in ice water, we use our unique, God given personalities and situations in order to win. The sugar guy was disappointed and had to bring out his billfold. The ice water dipper probably smiled, cheered, and shared his victory with all he met that day.
I want to smile, join the angels in heaven, and live in the new Kingdom forever. “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (I Corinthians 15:58).
Please join me in reaching that goal.
Kathryn Ransom 