Not Have To But Get To

 

And whoever gives

one of these little ones

even a cup of cold water

because he is a disciple,

truly, I say to you,

he will by no means

       lose his reward.

         Matthew 10. 42

Because we follow Jesus,

  we can see and respond

               differently,

not because we have to,

      but we get to,

not out of obligation,

      but sheer joy of serving.

Even an unexpected cup of water

   --literal or metaphorical--

 can change the course of a life.

No act of mercy

     is ever insignificant.

Even if no one notices,

                God sees.

God redeems.

God multiplies.

O LORD,

Open our eyes,

not just to see opportunities

             to serve You,

but to respond with grace

    and mercy and joy.

We can go forth differently

into this day

         or into this fray,

because Your love abides in us.

Help us to see this hard situation

     as an opportunity.

Guide us how to love others

   in their moments of need,

even in the most unlikely ways.

Align our hearts with Yours.