I roll out of bed around 6:33 in the mornings.
bundle up for the 45 degree weather.
fill my mug with hot coffee.
put in my headphones for music.
grab my bible.
slip my shoes on.
& walk outside for the perfect timing of the African sun to rise over the mountains.
It is hard to wake up, my eyes are heavy and sleepy; but when the sun hits my face,
I am only filled with joy, thankfulness and praise.
I am in awe of how good my God is.
How powerful he is.
If the light of the sun is so bright and the heat so powerful…
How much more is He who made it?
It humbles me.
The God who formed the sun and the stars.
…chose me.
The God of the Universe,
…knows the number of strands on my head.
The God who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross,
That powerful God,
… He knows my name.
He knows me intimately.
One particular morning, around 7:00, I was walking up and down the dirt path reading a Psalm and praying it over and over when I felt like the Lord directed my eyes down the road…
I saw a little girl with a pink beanie on peeking around a pole watching me walk up and down the street talking to myself.
This was the coldest morning yet.
I walked closer to her and saw her leaning against the chain-linked fence of her locked pre-school.
She looked up at me with heavy eyes.
I greeted her and put my hand out for a high-five that was returned with a handshake.
That little girls’ hand was freezing.
That is when it hit me. In 5 seconds, my mind raced through many different questions:
My mom is the director of a pre-school at our church; I was reminded of the cars that pull up day after day; parents dropping off their children & giving them a kiss. A teacher who walks over, unbuckles the child from the car seat, helps them out of the car, and holds their hand and directs them inside to the classroom.
But…this little girl didn’t have that.
_______________________________
How far did she walk by herself?
Where are her parents?
Does she even have parents, or is she an orphan?
Did anyone kiss her or hold her hand this morning?
Why would they let their baby girl stand in 40 degree weather by herself for an hour?
______________________________________________________________________
My heart broke for an instant.
I decided that it didn’t matter if she could understand me;
I just wanted her to know that someone cared.
I taught her how to put her hands inside of her sweater so they wouldn’t be so cold.
“We” sang ‘Jesus loves me’ together.
I talked about my morning, and the sun, and carried on a conversation (pretty much with myself).
& I think I may have even done a dance just to see her smile.
But… I saw her heavy eyes disappear and joy fill her face during those few minutes.
Her name is Nonayto. She is 5 years old.
I know no other information.
All I know is that spending time with her that morning was one of my favorite memories on the race.
I have never voluntarily woken up before 8:00 in my life until now.
It’s not natural for me- it’s a challenge…
But I LOVE it.
I have things to do;
I have to sit and be silent before the Lord.
I have dancing and praising to do.
I have His little children to meet and to love on.
So I challenge you: stretch yourself.
Wake up early and allow your heavy eyes to turn to joy before the Lord.
Let every distraction, worry, or care flee as you enter into praise and thankfulness.
