I heard a story this weekend and wanted to share. Perhaps you’ve heard it, or maybe it isn’t even true, but the meaning is sweet, nevertheless. You can read many different versions online, but this is my recap:
A woman who was nearing death, requested that she be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why a fork, she went on to share that her favorite moment was when following a meal, she was reminded to ‘hold on to her fork’ which, of course, meant dessert was on its way.
She chose to be buried with a fork as a beautifully symbolic picture to those who would mourn her death that this world was not her home, but that the best was yet to come. Her view of eternity was so true : a place where even the best of this world would pale in comparison to what Heaven will offer.
I know it is easy to fear death or pain or hardship – especially when you just can’t seem to escape it – but please know that there is good to come for those who put their trust in God. Whatever your circumstance, whatever your current struggle, whatever your fear, know that not only is there hope of an eternal life with our Lord, but He also offers unexplainable peace, joy and comfort as we walk through trials here in this messy world.
Be encouraged and remember to hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come.
***UPDATE***
I’ve turned the saying into a print and it is now available in the shop {or below}.
Thanks for the suggestion!
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My best friend of 52 years is facing end of life issues. I am interested in purchasing this for her. Can you give me more info. Thanks
My dad is a pastor with a daily radio program. He used this same illustration. As I was searching for a retirement gift for him, I was looking for something with the quote, The Best is Yet to Come. I came across this and it’s even better because he will understand the context. I love it, thank you!
Question for you Emily! I LOVE the glass jars you have in your kitchen & pantry. I have been looking for some for my pantry. I love the neatness of it and being able to see everything. I think you said you got them at ikea. I went there a couple of months ago and they didn’t have anything like those jars at all. I found some at Target but they don’t have the rubber seals and the other alternative they have are a screw on lid which is sort of a pain. All that to say, have you seen any jars similar to what you have anywhere else?
btw, I love the initial frame you have on your piano now. Is that burlap or linen inside the mat?
Thanks Em!!
É uma história simples,porém tonificante para aqueles que acreditam estar só em sua fé perante um mundo incrédulo.Realmente, a despedida deste mundo para aqueles que crêem que o melhor esta para vir, é linda !
I heard this story and shared it at one of my first dinner parties as a young newlywed hostess, complete with forks to hand out. What a great printable and a wonderful message.
Thanks for sharing this story. I have a terminal heart condition and don’t know how long (be it months or years) I have left but I know where I am going … I’m keeping my fork !!!
Goose bumps! Love this print and LOVE your blog! I’ve been a fan for a few months now, but I just had to post after reading this. You are an inspiration on SO MANY levels!! Thank you :)
I have tingles! Such a beautiful story…I had read this before but forgotten it, so thanks for telling it again. Love your blog! I find you so inspiring — not just for your creativity and good taste, but for your willingness and enthusiasm in sharing your faith. Thanks for your wonderful insights.
I have never heard this story before. What a beautiful story and a wonderful reminder of what is truly important! Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful story and message! Love the print.
This is such an inspiring post and is oh so true! I’m so glad to have our GOD to give our troubles to, and for him to hold our hand and guide us here on earth. What joy it will be to someday walk with him in the beauty of heaven!
Thanks!!!
Thanks for the reminder. So easy to get weighed down in the every day matters of life. I am renewing in my heart to not let the cares of this world get to me. The best IS yet to come!
i needed this today. thanks for posting.
I love this story! My husband’s grandmother was a HUGE dessert lover and when she passed away three years ago, the family buried her with a fork. All of the grandkids had at least one memory of Grandma sneaking into the kitchen late at night to have a bite or two of dessert long after everyone had gone to bed.
I had seen this story come through my inbox earlier this year and loved it! I’m so excited to be able to be reminded of this story through this print which I’m eager to hang in my dining room! Thanks!
Wonderful story and a beautiful reminder.
My sister brought a fork with a magnet and this little story tied to it back from a trip ~ she loved it and, since she knows I like to craft, thought I would like to make them. (Except her story said, “Save Your Fork”.) Sadly, my sister passed away from cancer at age 45, and at her celebration of life, we gave away silver forks (collected at thrift stores) with the story and her picture. She DID know “the best is yet to come” ~ ! Thanks for sharing.
I have never heard of this story before! what a beautiful reminder..
love it :)
Hey! Do you go to EastLake, by any chance? Heard that same story on Sunday. Definitely a good one.
Yep! Perhaps I’ll see you there …
great story emily and great print!
my recent post: another bold step forward
I love that….and of course my MIL just told me that last weekend :)
You must go to ECC in Bothell as this was the message this past Sunday. I’ve never posted on your blog before but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the stuff you come up with! You are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas! I hope I get the opportunity to meet you someday!
such a great saying. such a great pastor. such a great print.
AMEN!
love. might need this one in our NEW house!
What a wonderful story and reminder. So true. Thanks for your beautiful words. I so enjoy reading your blog!
Thanks for the great thought! I passed this along…
Emily, what a beautiful story and print. I have a question {maybe answered on your blog but I’ve been gone a few days}… I used to get your blog updates sent directly to my e-mail and I haven’t for the last 2 or 3 posts? Is this just me or has something changed on your site?
Thank you for such a simple reminder of the good, love, peace, and hope that is always before us through Christ. Fear is hard to overcome and walk through, and relevant to me right now…so I bought your “Hold Onto Your Fork” art print. Thanks for sharing this story and your beautiful talent with the world!
amen! what a blessing to read your post :)
So thankful for you Emily. This means so much. xoxo
I’ve never heard this story before. Thank you for sharing it with us today. It is such a comfort to know that we have a glorious place waiting for us with a loving God to welcome us home. I just lost my mom a few weeks ago and I would have never gotten through that loss without my faith and this knowledge of eternal life. I cared for her in my home prior to her death and the days were very tough but during that time I found your blog. I just wanted you to know that it was one of the highlights of my days at that time. I love your style and your tutorials are the best. Thank you!
Our pastor shared this same story several years ago. I like the idea shared above of a small silver fork charm on a necklace…I just might have to look into adding one to my charm necklace!
My mom often shares this story when she’s speaking at homeschool conferences and someone once gave her a necklace with a small silver fork charm as a visual reminder. It’s a wonderful story, true or not, and a fabulous reminder that Heaven is waiting.
Never heard this story before… thanks soo much for sharing. I’ll be sure to pass it on!
Such a wonderful story! I guess Stephen Hawking missed that one.
hold on to your fork! http://j.mp/iLVNhG via Jones Design Company. Love it!
Oh, sweetness!!!! I love the sign….yes, the best is yet to come.
Hey, they don’t call it “Heaven” for nothing. (:
I needed to be reminded of this again today. This is not my home. Please make this print available.
Hi Emily! I loved this story. Thanks for sharing. An idea – maybe could we ask you anything we want and you do a FAQ post? Some of my other favorite blogs have done that, and I really like it! Your blog is amazing!
i’ve heard this story before, and love it! thanks for the reminder, as i am going through some things so the timing is perfect! LOVE your blog SO much! loving all the frequent posts, too :)
I hadn’t ever heard that story before. Thanks for sharing and amen!! I love your blog and love how you share Jesus!!
This is so beautiful! And so true. It sounds like she was a lovely woman.
What a wonderul way to look at life circumstances and death. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
What a wonderful way to look at life circumstances and death. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy
I loved reading this post this morning!
I love this- thank you so much for the encouragement!
AMEN! This is a mere shadow of Reality, as believers. We walk in Faith, knowing He is Good, knowing He is for us. To finally gaze upon His Face, that is the deepest longing of my heart. And the ache grows as He takes me deeper into Himself. We are so blessed to walk with Him here, but may He come quickly. :)
I needed that encouragement this morning, Emily! Thank you!
I have heard that story before too, it is a great one. Thanks for the reminder! Will this image be one of your prints you sell?
Beautifully said!
I luvd this!
Such a cute story. This is really encouraging. =) I really enjoyed reading it, and your blog for that matter..(I love your blog! ) Hope you have a good Tuesday!
Just love this!!—hold on to your fork http://j.mp/iLVNhG via @AddToAny
Love that! What a great conversation starter to have that picture hanging in your house!
I have heard this story too! My granny always tells us to “save our forks” and this story makes me think of her! Love it.
Love this! I’m passing it on…
haha! I LOVE that! Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Tuesday!
Love it…thanks for sharing! My husband and I were just talking about the idea of being super excited about Heaven last night…I just know I have no idea how super awesome it’s going to be!!!
what a nice story. i really like the graphic (hold on to your fork) on this post – by chance are you selling prints of this? i think it would be a nice reminder of this story and keeping things in perspective.
will this be available as a print to purchase?
Well said. A nice thought to start the day.
love this.
Wonderful and encouraging truth,Emily. Trusting, hoping, and resting in Christ amidst the mess.
I love this “story” Miss Emily. It was so good to read again!
xo, Ms. Bright
thank you for this