In our “40 Days of Community” small group on Monday we focused on what matters most to God. (answer: love) The text was I Corinthians 13—the love chapter often used at weddings but applicable anytime. It was a wonderful conversation which centered on God’s unconditional love for us that empowers and enables us to love others. As I John 4:19 tells us, “we love, because God first loved us.” It reminded me of a devotion written by Gerhard Frost, former professor at Luther College and Luther Seminary. Over my decades of leading church groups I read this at the start of many meetings. In its homespun way it gets at the heart of the gospel so well.

Soggy Cereal and Tepid Tea 

When I remember that I am a parent, and think of God as Father,
I recall a special breakfast brought to me in bed. 

We awoke early to the sound of hurrying feet.
We wondered what they were up to,
our four- and eight- year olds;
But soon it came—breakfast in bed. 

It was an elaborate menu: chilled burnt toast, with peanut butter;
eggs, fried, and chilled too; soggy cereal (the milk had been added too soon)
and tepid tea.
A horrendous mix.

When they stepped out for a moment
to get something they’d forgotten (heaven forbid!)
my wife whispered, “You’re going to have to eat this, I can’t!”
And I did.

I didn’t eat it as a gourmet, for it wasn’t gourmet cooking; 
I didn’t eat it as a hungry man for I wasn’t hungry.

I ate it as a father because it was made for me; 
I was expected to; they had faith in me.
And I ate it because it was served on eager feet and with starry eyes. 

Frost concludes by reflecting on his “poor service to God as teacher, parent, interpreter of the Good News.” Even though his “offerings are soggy, tepid and unfit,” God receives them and even blesses them, “not because I am good but because (God) is!”

– Rolf Olson, Visitation Pastor

Frost, Gerhard. Seasons of a Lifetime. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress. © 1989