Staff Reflections: Pies and Ideas

Staff Reflections: Pies and Ideas

From Ruth Heilman, Minister of Music …

Fall is in the air, finally! It’s pie season! Want to start a debate? Ask people their favorite kind of pie. You’ll hear as many answers as there are people. Each kind of pie has its own personality – creamy, juicy, tart, or sweet. Then there’s chicken pot pie and pizza! My brother enjoys warm pumpkin pie on his birthday, and my father-in-law always asked for a slice of cherry pie at restaurants. I love chocolate pecan in the winter and lemon meringue in the summer. Today, however, is an “apple pie” kind of day, and there’s a new recipe begging to be tried. On a cool fall day, a warm kitchen smelling of apples, candied ginger, and chai spices seems perfect. I have the ingredients, and you know how much I love to bake, so… excuse me. I’ll be right back.
 
Okay, pie’s in the oven. I didn’t wake up thinking about pie, but I was thinking about all of the different people I know. We work, sing, shop, live, and worship together. We have distinct talents and personalities, and that’s great! All of these varied souls, giving and helping in so many wonderful ways. If you scroll social media, you see many differing opinions. People are passionate about completely different beliefs, but mostly, they just want to improve the world. “Apple!” “Pumpkin!” “Coconut Cream!” “Custard!”
 
Recently, we have forgotten to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4: 1b-2) We forget to show the very love God shows us. It’s okay if you prefer pumpkin pie to my chocolate pecan, or if you don’t like pie at all. Okay, it’s not usually about pies. I’m all for people advocating for their beliefs. I just believe that there’s also room for us to show kindness and live together in love and peace. God has created, called, and gifted us to serve Him by helping others. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10).
 
There are countless types of pies and people, and I’m really thankful for that! Our world would be incomplete if we were all the same “flavor.”
 
P.S. – What’s your favorite kind of pie?