WRITTEN OCTOBER 7, 2022
ON THE PORCH
THE CANDY LADY
**And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
It is around 3:15 pm, and the doorbell rings. Janet picks up her candy jar and heads to the door. She opens it with a smile and an “I’m so glad to see you today!” Children show up throughout the evening, one right after another. Sometimes they come in groups, and sometimes they come alone. This is a daily occurrence at the Vail house in Hooker, OK.
Janet is lovingly known as “The Candy Lady” around those parts for good reason. The kiddos know if her van is home, they have a complimentary piece of candy or gum coming to them just for stopping by, like trick-or-treating all year long. Not once have I known Janet to say, “Oh, just let it ring. They’ll eventually go away.” She answers the door every time the bell chimes. And when Janet is out and about in town, sometimes you’ll even see a child run up to get a hug from the Candy Lady.
After marrying David, he got to share in her joy in handing out candy, and even got the nickname, “Mr. Candy Lady.” Together, they loved on Hooker’s children day after day, month after month, year after year.
When David got so sick and was dismissed to Hospice, we had to find someone to order a hospital bed from to help keep him comfortable. A young lady from the medical supply company we chose called asking for directions. When given the address, she replied, “I know that house. I used to go there. That’s where the Candy Lady lives!” She and Janet took a trip down memory lane and had a sweet reunion when she delivered David’s equipment. Just walking up the sidewalk reminded her of her childhood.
Over the last year and a half, I have gotten to know neighborhood kids through this practice, and it has been amazing how some kiddos started with an attitude, just there for the candy, and end up being some of Janet’s “best customers,” excited to show her what they’ve learned.
The other day when the doorbell rang, I felt like God was saying, “Pay attention, child!”
Janet got up, picked up her candy jar, and opened the door. She graciously allowed me to snap a couple of pictures, then we went back to what we were doing.
**Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24
Janet called after I got home, excited about what she felt God was speaking to her heart through the pictures we took. She confirmed what I had on my heart to blog with these snapshots. God had given both of us the same message.
Salvation is a lot like the Candy Lady’s gifts. God is ALWAYS there, waiting for us, watching for us, wanting to give us His free gift. He doesn’t pick and choose who can come, all are invited. It doesn’t matter what age, race, or social status we are, He created us equal, no exceptions. All we must do is ask. Janet doesn’t throw candy at passing children, and Jesus doesn’t get in our face and demand we accept Him as our Savior. It must be our choice. He did all the work and took our penalty, dying because of our sin. It cost Him everything, and it costs us nothing. It is given freely and given generously.
**“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
No matter how hard we try, we cannot be saved by works or serving or deeds we accomplish. We are only saved by having faith and believing in Christ Jesus. He is the only way to heaven.
**For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Just like the neighborhood children saying extra verses to get extra candy, God does reward us for serving Him on the earth with extra treasures in heaven. He is a good and gracious God and allows us to spread His message and His love. We will reap the rewards of what we sow.
**But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21
There is never a time we never call on Him that He doesn’t answer. Just as Janet gets up and opens the door EVERY SINGLE TIME it rings, God bends His ears to listen to His children. He never sleeps or slumbers…
**Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Psalm 116:2
“The love you show to others in the small, unseen, faithful places may be the very stepping-stone God will use to bring people closer to Himself. And those seeds you plant in faith may one day, generations after you’ve been gone from this earth, be the catalyst to a beautiful gift God wants to share with the world.” – Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life, Crystal Stine
LORD, I thank You for using the ordinary things of this world to speak straight to our hearts. Thank You for allowing Janet to spread Your Word and Your love through simple pieces of candy for generation after generation Thank You for the children that have shown up for decades to learn of Your love and Your Word. Water the seeds Janet has sown for Your glory, LORD. Continue to stroke the desires of our hearts to serve You and spread Your love to those who may not know otherwise. Allow us all to find creative ways to show Your love to others using the individual gifts You create us with. Thank You for leaving heaven and coming to earth to die so that You could pay the penalty for my sins, allowing me to spend eternity with You. May I always be thankful. In Your Holy and Precious Name, Amen
MY JESUS
P.S. If you’re ever in Hooker, OK, consider stopping by Janet’s and ringing her doorbell for a piece of candy, a smile, and an “I’m sure glad to see you!” 😊
ON THE PORCH 