Here's what I love: 3 snakes, a pair of panties, and a punch bowl. These are the items that grace the
bench in my entryway today.
Why? Well, it’s
simple. I need to remember to
return them to their rightful owners.
Interesting mix of objects, eh?
It’s not as exciting as it sounds. The snakes are here because my oldest needed a fake snake
for a book report she was presenting at school. I put the word out on FaceBook that I was looking for a fake
snake and before we knew it, we had snakes to choose from! Now, I need to return said reptiles to
their proper owners—to the friends who were happy to lend their toy slitherers
to us.
The panties are a bit more disturbing, I agree. Well, that is because little girls
think that it’s just fine to lend underwear to one another. My daughter had just finished swimming
at a friend’s house—somehow, she had misplaced her underwear. Her generous friend pulled out a clean
pair from her drawer and had no problem lending them to my silly girl. (Now that we’ve washed them, I will ask
her friend’s mother if she’d like for her daughter to have them back.) It was awfully nice of our sweet friend
to quickly hand over undergarments, is it not?
The punch bowl made it’s way to my house after a baby shower
I helped host recently. It
belonged to a neighbor friend who was unable to attend the shower, but was
still willing to lend us her punch service set for ten. So sweet! The funny thing is that this particular friend has been in
and out of my house—walking right by her own punch bowl—several times this
week. Neither of us has remembered
to make sure she takes it with her.
Oh well. She knows where I
live.
I have helpful friends.
FaceBook has made it possible to ask the entire world if we need
something. Most of us would loan
out fake snakes and punch bowls (but maybe not underwear) to friends in need of
such items. Many of us would quickly
respond if someone needs a cup of sugar, a booster seat, or advice. Fewer spring into action when the
request is for last-minute childcare, a ride to the airport, or help with a
move.
Why is that?
Why do we hesitate when the need is greater? Probably because it costs us more—more of our own time and
energy.
I have to admit that I am guilty of hesitating.
Jesus told me that if someone asks for my shirt, I am to
offer my underwear—I mean coat!—as well.
And that if they ask me to walk with them a mile, I am to go with them
two miles.
Lately, that scripture is translating into giving my best to
people even when I don’t feel like it.
Sometimes, “giving my best” includes prayer for a person who is in
need. Recently, I’ve been burdened
for a friend, but when I sit down to pray, I sometimes get caught up in
judgmental thoughts, hurt feelings, or confusion.
Being consistently
generous with my time, money, and resources is not easy. Mustering up a heart willing to love
someone who is frustrating me is next to impossible.
Then, Jesus reminds me:
You can’t muster up perfect love in your heart.
You won’t consistently give to others as you should.
But, I love perfectly and I gave all.
It’s the only way to give my best to those in need.
It’s the only way to love those who insist on being
unlovable.
When I remember that—when I take a deep breath and
intentionally let Jesus love through me, then I choke with sobs of profound, mysterious love for my struggling friend.
I pray for them for over an hour.
It’s kind to give
to others.
It’s good to help
those in need.
It’s important to love
fully.
But, kindness, goodness and love are all evidence of His
spirit in me.
I cannot be
truly and selflessly
kind,
good, or
loving
in my own strength.
I’ll hesitate way too often.
Fortunately, the power that conquered death is now available
to me—overcoming my hesitations one deep breath intentional moment at a time.
When I look to Him and see the requests of others through His
eyes, He enables me to put people ahead of possessions.
I gladly give sugar, rides to the
airport, money for a cause, help with a move, snakes, punch bowls, and perhaps
even panties.
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