I'll Do It For Mine, Will I Do It For His?

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

"Aunt Liiiinnnnddssseeeeyyyy, it's mooorrrnnninng!" I heard a cheery little voice sing. I forced one eye open to a tiny slit, and saw a darling face framed in a mass of curly hair staring back at me. It was my 4-year-old niece, Hensley Grace.

"Can we go get in the trailer?" she sweetly asked.

At the beginning of this month, I had the great privilege of going on a beach vacation with my older sister and her sweet family. We chose a beach town that is known for its charming biking opportunities. Something about riding a bike to dinner or to the store or to the beach is so nostalgic and adds a sense of leisure and relaxation.  We love it!

And, although my sister and I love it, we don't love the idea of putting young children on bikes amidst crowded streets. So, like any good aunt, I rented a bike trailer to haul around my darling niece and nephew. They'd never been in a bike trailer before, and my word, it was an instant love affair! The whole week, they opted to go everywhere they could in the trailer. 

At first, I thought, "Oh, it's no big deal to pull the extra weight of a full trailer! I'm getting a good workout! Yay, I can eat more!" (That's the logic of every woman, right? Or, maybe just those of us who LOVE to eat, especially on vacation! But, I digress.....)

But, on one particular multi-mile jaunt, I was pouring sweat by the time we were halfway to our spectacular seaside dining destination. My sister kept asking if I wanted to switch bikes, so that I could have a break. But I, being the martyr that I am, and knowing that I was more of a powerhouse than she could ever possibly hope to be (wink, wink), continued the journey.  By the time we got there, I was so worn out and hot, and the HUMIDITY at the ocean! GOODNESS GRACIOUS!  It caused the kind of eternal sweat that MUST'VE been birthed in the pits of hell because it came on with a righteous vengeance!  Food was the last thing on my mind!

So, I ordered dinner and I sat. I sat until the perspiring commenced. And eventually, I ate. And, I liked it. In fact, I liked it so much that, by the end of the meal, I could hardly remember the beast of the trek I'd just survived. My sister pulled the trailer on the way home, but the next morning when I heard the familiar song, "Aunt Liiiinnnnddddssseeyyy, it's mooorrrnnnninnng! Can we go get in the trailer?" I sat up with a smile, and said, "Sure." I'd do anything for those kids. Anything. 

I know that you must be able to recall a time when you did do or would've done ANYTHING in your power for yours. You know who those people are for you. Maybe they're your children, your spouse, your sister, or your very dearest friend. You'd carry them on your back a million miles if they needed it, just because you love them. 

But, Dear Ones, God's been wrecking me in a new way. I'll gladly do it for mine, but will I joyfully do it for His? My people love me back. My people don't stink. My people are gracious. My people are kind. So, I'll serve them all day long. 

But, what about His people? 

God, teach me to serve well. 

Lindsey Pond