Faith in Action
Easter afternoon…hundreds of eggs… lots of candy…six children waiting patiently…two adults hiding eggs when suddenly my friend Paula spotted the two faces peering down from the balcony. Two children longing to belong to the fun and festivities of the afternoon and Paula was supernaturally drawn to them by God. And then she did the unexpected; she invited them to come and hunt the eggs with the other children. Her cousin was astounded by the invitation, but the children were ecstatic as they ran to ask their parents if they could participate. The parents exited the apartment a bit apprehensive, and apologetic. Yes, the children could hunt the eggs, but they would have to use plastic grocery store bags since they didn’t have Easter baskets.
Compassion engulfed Paula as she quickly informed the assembled group that the fun would take place in 30 minutes. Her cousin objected, but Paula managed to quiet and inform her to get in the car. Why? Where? What? They were going to go to Walgreens for 2 baskets for the children. Protests emerged from the mouth of her cousin as Paula told her that no child should be without a basket to hunt eggs.
Their return was greeted with excitement from the children as they realized that gifts had been purchased for them. All of the children hunted for the goodies and had more than enough to fill their baskets to overflowing. The invited children had never experienced confetti eggs, but quickly learned how to crack them on the heads of others, making a mess and providing much laughter.
Although the egg hunt was over, the food was still to be served. Paula again stepped into action and invited the children and their parents to eat with them. Again she overruled the complaints from relatives who objected to the invitation saying, “We don’t even know them and food is expensive” along with other excuses.
The family graciously accepted the invitation and out of the mouths of babes they learned about the true meaning of Easter. You see four year old Isis was asked to bless the food and not only did she thank God for the food, but for each individual there and even proceeded to thank God for what Jesus had done for us at Easter. This precious little child was spreading the word of salvation to a family who had perhaps never heard it. I pray that this family’s life is changed forever by the kindness of strangers and the words of a child.
Paula listened to the voice of God yesterday. She felt His nudge and she did something about it. She could have easily ignored it and lost the privilege of serving God, but she didn’t. May we all learn to listen to the voice of God and obey it.
Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
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