Hmmm, where is my Bible? I put it on the table but then Alex wanted to create with the playdough. So, I moved it to the bed, but then Tasha started reaching for it, so I…oh, yes, here it is. Okay, now Matthew 28 – The Great Commission. It is the reason we came to Lesotho – to make disciples and teach them to obey God’s Word, and…Oops, smells like someone needs a diaper change.
God, you know, sometimes I wonder why I ever came to Lesotho. I thought I was going to be a great Bible teacher. But I am not. How can a mom be involved in ministry? Sure wish I was Brian, sitting in that quiet office, writing materials that have the potential to change lives. He goes out to do the Bible teaching and I am just stuck at home taking care of our children. I know that is important. Yes, I love Alex and Tasha. Oh yes, this was my choice. But God, when will I be able to do something for the kingdom again?
There is someone at the door. Another beggar. I can give him the last of the bread. I’ll need to make biscuits for lunch, but at least I have choices.
Where was I? The Great Commission. I suppose…ah, another interruption. Will I ever get anything done? The neighborhood kids are collected in our yard with Alex and all want a drink. Well, I can accommodate those requests. I might even get a blessing, if I have the right attitude. I need to get lunch going. It had better be soup and biscuits. You never know how many pastors might stop by at lunchtime to visit Brian, pick up Bible study materials or drop off tests. Soup can always be stretched to feed a few more.
Now what? Some stranger at the door wanting to borrow our stapler. He says he is from down the road and will return it right away. Should I trust him? Well, I will this time. It is something I have that I can share. Hopefully he will return it.
As soon as Tasha is down for a nap, I must get out the box of newborn clothes. My neighbor lady knows an orphan who has just had a baby. I will see what I can find to help clothe that poor infant. Our babies had so much.
And as soon as I have a chance to use the car, I must take the children to visit the old grandmother in the village. Her knees are so bad she cannot even leave the compound. I’ll take a bag of coal so at least she can have some warmth during the chilly winter evenings.
Wait a minute. What was that, Lord? Let me check. Yes, here it is. Matthew again, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. I tell you the truth, what ever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:34b-36, 40 NIV)
Wow! I haven’t lost my calling. I’m in the center of it! Thank You, Lord, for this joyful revelation.
(reprinted with permission from Words for Women, Vol. 4 No. 2, August 1998)
©2000 Thrive
View the original print magazine where this article was first published.
