We're So Blessed: A Fun 5-Day Family Devotional From CAINSample

Staying Prepared

STORY: Charley’s Chocolate Syrup (Logan)

There is a well-known fact in the Cain family. If the patriarch, Pastor Charley Cain, is going to the grocery store for anything at all—whether it be a loaf of bread or a jug of laundry detergent— he’s coming home with one extra item . . . chocolate syrup. It’s an easy item to forget. It typically sits in the crowded condiments shelf in the Cain family refrigerator, and it isn’t used every day, or every week for that matter. So each time Pastor Charley goes to the grocery store, the thought occurs to him, Do we have any chocolate syrup at the house? Before you know it, the Cain family has three or four bottles of syrup tucked safely away in their refrigerator.

And while it seems just like a funny case of forgetfulness, the heart behind it is anything but forgetful. Pastor Charley knows that nothing brings his family together like enjoying a sweet treat. Every time the family is all in one place, no matter how large of a dinner we just enjoyed, there always seems to be room for everyone to enjoy a bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup. It’s these moments together where the family laughs, dreams, and shares the truest parts of themselves with one another. Through perfect, syrupy bites, family achievements are celebrated and family losses are comforted. Nothing binds a family quite like ice cream.

Each time Pastor Charley picks up yet another bottle of chocolate syrup, ultimately, he’s being obedient to his calling as the spiritual head of his household. He’s making an investment in his family, an investment in what will be a future moment shared with his children and grandchildren. Like the five wise bridesmaids waiting on the bridegroom with ample oil, Charley prepares himself and his home to host a meaningful time with all of us—no matter when that time may come. As the years have passed, these moments together may not be as frequent as they once were, but they are more valuable than ever. Each time these family moments occur, you can guarantee that there will be chocolate syrup for everyone’s ice cream.

Reflection Questions

• What was the significance of the bridesmaids preparing oil for their lamps? What happened to those who hadn’t prepared enough oil?

• The oil in the bridesmaids’ lamps signified obedience to God. What are some ways you can store up “oil” in your life to help you stay close to God?

• In the same way Charley invested in his family by making preparations for a family ice cream night, what is a way you can invest in your family to create meaningful moments together?

Activity

You guessed it: time for a family ice cream party! Someone grab the bowls, spoons, and ice cream of your choice; someone grab all the toppings (especially the chocolate syrup); and everyone make their favorite ice cream sundae. Turn off the TV, put away the phones and screens, and enjoy some ice cream and conversation together!