“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” Matthew 25:35. The righteous reply with a simple question, when? Matthew 25: 40, “When you did this for the least of these, you did it unto me.” Bam! Pretty straightforward and blunt.
Today I want to share with you a proud Dad moment. A little over a week ago I was taking our 4 kids to Walmart to get Valentine’s stuff for Lindsey. In my mind it would be simple, let them each pick a card and a gift that they each thought she’d love. Amongst all the screaming ideas in the car, I was in my own little world oblivious to what was going on around me, just hoping not to spend an hour there. Eli on the other hand was fully alert and that included noticing the man standing outside the store with the simple sign that said, “Hungry, will you help me with food?” At that moment instead of thinking about his mom’s valentines, his focus shifted toward that man; let’s say obsessing over it. “Dad, can I buy that guy some food? I have my own wallet.” He exclaimed with joy taking over. “Bud, you don’t have to pay, I can, but yes we can get him some things.” He looked at me for a few moments like staring into my soul, “Dad, I said I have my wallet and this is something I want to do.” Who am I to argue with that, like him saying, don’t steal my blessing dad.
After about 10 minutes picking out flowers, cards and gifts for Linds, Eli again was laser focused. He had time to think about what he wanted. Chicken Poppers, Reese’s and a bottle of water. Perfect, covering all the major food groups in our home. Silas also had to throw in 2 apples for good measure. Normally to get our kids out of Walmart is like a pulling teeth, an hour long ordeal after looking at toys. Not that day, they were running to the checkout worried the man was no longer going to be there. “Dad, dad, there he is,” all four kids screamed including the twins. As I pull up to him, Eli jumps into the front seat so both he and Silas have a window they can reach out. “Hey sir, hey sir we have stuff for you!” The excitement in their faces and the joy in the man made it all worth it. As they explained to him that they bought it with their own money, I swear it looked like the guys eyes were tearing up.
Driving away from that moment Silas had one of his deep thoughts like normal. “Dad, is that how we live Jesus? Like is that what you mean when you say we can live out the Bible?” Absolutely, the simplicity of a child’s mind. They get it. To be honest though, how many of us as adults would overthink it. We’d see the sign asking for help then start thinking about the guys story wondering if he deserves it? Is he really hungry or just trying to get my money? How many other people already gave him food? The list of excuses could go on and on.
To a child it was as simple as “dad he is holding up a sign saying I am hungry, can we feed him?”
I know I learned something that day. Maybe we overcomplicate the Gospels at times when Jesus is being pretty straightforward and blunt. What if at times we started thinking like a child, going here is the need, how can we meet it. Hope this challenges your thinking, and makes you laugh.
So good. Love it that your kids are such a big part of your ministry, brotha.