Loving is Doing

Note:  I absolutely love the people who attend my church.  They love Jesus and love the Bible and are truly a joy to live life among.  The inclusion of Helper #1 in this story is simply as a reminder to myself of my own sinful tendencies, and to better illuminate the actions of Helper #2 and Helper #3.  I have seen Helper #1 doing many loving things around our church and think he just had a different focus this morning.

Love Covers a Multitude of Construction... This is the theme we're trying to all live by at our church right now as the building doubles in size and as a result parking is a mess. Jason volunteered to wear a bright orange shirt and be among the many directing traffic into and out of the lot. This means he shows up about 40 minutes before the service begins and gets to feel guilty directing Little Old Lady to a back-nine spot in the grass. However, to ease the walk of Little Old Lady or anyone who needs a ride, there are shuttles buzzing all around the grounds.

I awoke Sunday morning around 5:30 to McKinley crying out. She quickly returned to sleep, but my mind started thinking about the day ahead. Suddenly, it hit me that Jason going to church early not only meant that I was getting the kids dressed, fed, and there on time by myself, but the even bigger challenge would be getting them from the car into the building... by myself. I pushed aside the thoughts and went back to sleep for those last 40 precious minutes before having to jump into the shower. (Total aside:I do some of my best thinking and praying in the shower. Maybe because my mind is so empty of all the invading thoughts that so quickly fill it after being awake for a short time.)

I thought about three or four different alternatives to getting us all in the building, and prayed for my ugly heart that wanted to say, Don't go in early and help out the church. Stay here and help me.  God quickly called out my selfishness and little view of Him, and I had the inspired thought that His plans and ways to help us that morning would be way better than anything I could come up with.  With my heart focused on things above and not myself, I joyfully kissed my husband good-bye and woke the kids with a smile and song.  We made it to the parking lot on time and began our trek with a smile.  We even talked about being on the look out for how we might be able to help someone else on our way...Heh.  That's a good one.

We made it through the temporary chip-and-seal-type area and were ready to cross the wet path of all the incoming cars when it happened.  Holding McKinley in one arm, Ethan's hand with my other, and coaxing Elissa along behind me with my voice, I felt my flip-flop stick in the mud as I tried to take a step.  I steadied myself and pulled it out with a smack and felt the mud fling up the back of my leg.  Before I could save her, Elissa cried out, Mooommmyyy!...I don't want to walk in the muuud!..  Turning around, I found her sinking in the muddy puddle that was the driveway that morning, mud already splattered up to her knees.  She had no intentions of trying to move. Ethan suddenly had the urge to be a helpful, protective, loving brother.  He released my hand and headed straight for Elissa... and the mud.  My mind quickly raced to how to save us all.  And this... all of this... brings me to today's thought:

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:12

Enter Helper #1 walking by:  (speaking in a commanding and intelligent way)  "There are shuttles.  You just need to wait and take the shuttle.  You shouldn't be trying to walk.  Wait here for one."

Ok. I'm a very logical person.  I didn't take the shuttle in the first place because getting three kids to wait for one, climb into one, and sit still didn't seem like the best option.  Waiting right now is also not a good option. Have you really looked at us?  We're a mess and blocking traffic.  Why would I want to stay here and wait?   And finally you, Mr. Helper #1 walking by yourself very quickly into the building, aren't quite standing in my muddy flip-flops this morning, are you?

By God's grace and mercy, I simply acknowledged that taking a shuttle in the first place would have probably been a good idea.  Helper #1 was walking away so quickly, though, that I'm not sure he heard me.  Before any more sinful thoughts had time to develop in my head, God sent me a few other helpers.

Enter Helper #2:  (stepping into the mud behind Elissa and swooping her up into a seat created by his arms)  "Good morning, sweetheart.  You know, I bet if I hold you like this, you can watch your mom and I can just carry you along until we get to the building and you can get cleaned off there.  I know you don't know me, but I'm a grandpa and have some grandkids about your age.  Here, let's walk over here right next to Mom."

Enter Helper #3: (coming up from behind as we exited the flow of traffic and picking up Ethan)  "I can help out with this one.  Let me carry you, little guy, and we'll walk right here behind Mom."

Wow.  Wow.  Wow.  Talk about feeling the love of Jesus pour down over me.  Suddenly, my problems have been swept up and carried away by the love of these people.  The wives of Helpers #2 and #3 encouraged the kids as we walked with kind words and smiles. (In line with his ways, Ethan was much more content to return to holding my hand and walking, which he continued doing after cries of protest.  But the offer was so appreciated.)

This little, memorable moment was such a teachable one for me.  I can easily be just like Helper #1, sharing my useful knowledge and my should have's and expecting people to make better choices.  Or, I can choose to be like Helper #2 and Helper #3 ... like Jesus ... and step into the mud and do unto others, as I'd have them do to me.  And only by spending time with Jesus will I be able to fulfill this desire in a real and lasting way.  May my children see me model this in such a way that it is almost natural for them to do too.