Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Peanut Butter Club


It was years ago when my mother announced "we" (meaning, her three boys -- ages eight, five and five -- I'm a twin) were all "New members of the Peanut Butter Club!" As a little background, we loved peanut butter. As in, we'd eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day by choice at grade school, and every meal at home if we were allowed. Now, our dreams had come true! For the next three days, we were told that as official members of the "Peanut Butter Club" we could dine on our favorite sandwich morning, noon and night! Of course, what my single-parent mom wasn't saying in announcing our membership in the "club" was that she'd be eating those sandwiches with us as well. Not because she shared our love for all things peanut butter. But because there was still three days left in the month, and she had no money and little food in the cupboard -- except bread, peanut butter and jelly.
Mom got her check the first day of the month, and we'd all go to the store on "payday" and stock up on everything needed (and healthy) to fill up three growing boys. But Mom would always buy an extra jar of peanut butter -- and sure enough -- every month for years growing up, we'd get to "join the club" at the end of the month.
Maybe that's where you're at, or where a friend is at. As a child, I didn't understand the incredible courage it took for a single-parent mom, with no help from family or friends, to turn that pit-of-the-stomach fear and anxiety of being totally broke, into several days of "fun" for her kids. I'm grateful I understand a little better today. As I cross the country, I'm certainly talking to more and more people who are hurting "big time" financially. And closer to home, all I have to do is look at our own small ministry that, like so many others, is struggling to stay afloat in these challenging times. These are fearful, anxious times. But I'm incredibly thankful for that model of a loving mom who looked empty cupboards and an empty pocketbook in the eye -- and had the courage, faith and wisdom to start a "peanut butter club" instead of tossing up her hands or tossing in the towel.
Wishing you and your family God's best,
John Trent