Most Thursday evenings Keith goes to jail.

Most Thursday evenings Keith goes to jail, as a volunteer in a prison ministry program. I used to tease him, making jokes about going up the river or heading to the big house, and other silliness, but as his steadfastness and commitment to attending this work has continued over the last year, I stopped. Instead, I found myself wondering about the prisoners, and the volunteers, who so patiently and consistently attend to this weekly time of meditation and communion. Keith shares very little. The prisoners and their stories are private, and this information isn’t relevant to the ministry anyway, which is about sharing a prayerful time of communion. One tiny bit that Keith has shared is that these guys sing! There is a piano and a pianist and every verse is played and sung. It makes me smile to think of these prisoners belting out hymns and making a joyful noise.

Somewhere along the way Keith shared with the volunteers that I enjoy cooking and baking, and they began asking when they might get to sample some of the baked goodies. For the last several weeks I’ve been sending along simple treats that can be enjoyed post-prison visit in the parking lot. This evening’s selection: peanut butter cup cookies. Don’t tell Olivia, they are her favorite. Prison ministry isn’t my thing, but I am incredibly happy to bake for the volunteers who are making such a kind and loving difference for an hour a week.