I’m dehydrated. I didn’t drink enough water today. I have a headache, and my back aches. If only it was bedtime already…
As we waited outside the church gate with all the kids, I really wanted Pastor to hurry so we could go home. All the kids were surrounding Amber, and she was diligent in giving them piggy-back rides and running down the street with them. Luis came up to me and asked for a ride. I really wanted to say no. I don’t feel good. I don’t think I should run.
But I couldn’t say no. I bent down and he jumped on my back. We lined up—Amber with a child on her back, myself with Luis on my back, and Jonathan.
One, Two, Three…Go!!!
We sprinted down to the intersection and back. My mind was focused on not rolling an ankle on the uneven ground. Once we arrived, we turned around and sprinted back. Luis jumped off my back, and then it happened—Denny, Abby, Tatiana, and many other children surrounded me, pulling on my arms for a turn.
I couldn’t avoid it, and I didn’t have the heart to tell them no. Each child got a turn. The smaller ones rode on my neck, and their smiles and giggles were contagious to everyone watching.
I eventually stopped for a break. To my surprise, I felt great. I had energy. My headache was gone. My back didn’t hurt.
It is crazy how much power is in giving. When Jesus rested on the well while the disciples went to town to get food, “He was weary from his journey” (John 4:6). He ministered to a Samarian woman, and when the disciples returned with food, He refused to eat because “I have food to eat that you know nothing about”. He gave life to the woman, and in turn, He was filled.
My teammate shared this quote with me the other day: “There is something powerful about the word “giving”. ThanksGIVING. CareGIVING. forGIVING. lifeGIVING. “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” Everything that matters in living comes down to GIVING.”
When you choose to pour yourself out for others, you GIVE the Lord the opportunity to fill you back up!! And that is exactly what He did for me tonight!
