“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:1-4)
She may or may not remember the time she penned a little note to encourage an older man of faith who was battling continuing illness, but he will!
She may or may not remember the time she drew herself the words “Get Well Soon” with a balloon on the front of the note or the flowers and hearts on the inside of the note, but he will!
The Lord teaches us in so many ways, whether from nature, or most assuredly from His revealed Word! But He also teaches us through the words and actions of others, especially the young! I suppose that is why I have always had a very deep interest in reaching/teaching the young.
The fact that we can learn from those who also learn from us … well, that is both humbling and amazing! We do serve an awesome God, don’t we?
Jesus taught often throughout His short time on this earth the value of the little ones, the importance of the little things and the fact that nothing anyone of us does in life goes unnoticed by the Lord! Yes … He does see everything!
Consider the following passages of Scripture:
“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall be no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)
“For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” (Matthew 25:35)
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40)
For anyone of us to give another “a cup of cold water” is to serve that person as Jesus so often demonstrated in His earthly ministry … and He expects us to follow His example! We follow that example not because it is on some ‘check list’ of what we’re supposed to do … but because our heart possesses compassion for others!
The notes I have received over the years from all ages and from all over the country are treasured up in my heart and for many years amassed in a box until there were simply too many to store!
But this one little note from a beautiful little one who will one day grow up to be a big beautiful someone was just the right ‘cup of cold water’ that was needed to quench my thirsty soul!
Yes … “the cup of cold water” is so much more! As someone once observed, “A cup of cold water may contain a sea of warm love.”
Compassion is something that is learned, generally by the watchful eyes of our children and grandchildren! Maybe … no, really, we who are older could and should learn from our young! This young lady has already been watching her mother!
Thank You _____________
I Love you,
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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