Sunday is Pentecost...one of my Mom's favorite Church holidays.  The day of the Holy Spirit being recieved..and one of the songs often sung is "I will go Lord, where you lead me..."....referencing the going out into the world to spread the Good News.

I remember a year or two talking with Mom who was lamenting, "I never *went* anywhere far out for God, to any other land...I wish I could have been more of a missionary."

Ahh...Mom....you didn't realize it perhaps, but God was using you powerfully right where He placed you.  My whole life, it seems, you were teaching Sunday school classes and making costumes for pagents. You were reaching out to the shy kids, the hurt kids...the vulnerable ones and bringing them into an inclusive circle.

I remember you weeping when, at the church of my youth, one of your Sunday school children, fresh from Laos, told you she had never had an ice cream sundae...and that maybe one day when she was old she'd be able to.  You went, broke as you and Dad were at the time, and bought all the fixings and ice cream (though Thrifty's did give a discount if I remember right) so you could hold an ice cream sundae party for your class, and any other of the Sunday school kids who showed up.....you and Dad dipped ice cream forever, it seemed...and I know you had roped me into doing the toppings counter.  I remember that little girl, smeared ice cream and chocolate sauce on her face, hugging you and calling you an "angel lady."

Or Mom...what about when you would track down families that were having a hard time, and put together Christmas boxes of dinner items and wrapped toys for the children...(and always putting in a small item each for the parents because "everyone should have something to open at Christmas, Beth.")....and having Dad and I deliver those boxes late at night.

Or when you'd take me, when very young, to volunteer at Soup Kitchens...so that I learned what service in action was.

Or how you started the clothing closet, and job closet at your church, and the food pantry, and worked at the youth events, and was active in the women's ministry...and how you always, always, always looked for anyone who was lonely or looked uncomfortable so that you could say some warm words to them.

Mom....I'd say you did great just where God put you. I have gotten so many messages from people who told me of what I already knew...of your love, your kindness, your light...your faith.  You happily acted as the hands and feet of God right where you were....

You were a missionary all along.

Thanks for showing me...all my life...what faith is and how to live it.

Beth Haynes Butler​