Not long ago I was out and about doing some errands on one of my days off. I had picked up a bouquet of flowers and then purchased some VeggieTales DVDs. I love finding a good deal especially if it something I can give to my grandson. One of my errands took me to the garage where I needed an oil change. I handed over the keys to the attendant and went inside the waiting room to wait. I love to watch people and I have met a lot of different people while I have waited there in the past.
Today, however, I saw a young mother with a child about five years old, and another child about 15 months old. The five year old was playing a game on an electronic device, but the 15 month old was on his mom’s lap. She was talking to him and keeping him entertained. As I was watching her, I remembered the days of past when I was that young mom with a 15 month old on my lap. Back in those days there were no cellphones or electronic devices to entertain you. We had an arsenal of books and toys to keep our child quiet.
The mom was doing a great job with her two boys. They were talking, and there was no screaming or crying. Suddenly the attendant came in and said my car was finished. I paid for the services rendered and then started out the door when I had the thought of giving the flowers to that mom. I turned around and handed the flowers to her and said, “You look like you could use some flowers.” She thanked me and then I turned back around and the thought popped into my mind, “I could give her one of the DVDs for her boys to watch.” So, I turned back around and asked if she had ever heard of VeggieTales. She said, “Yes.” I reached into my bag and pulled out one and handed it to her. She said, “My, you are giving away a lot today.” I just smiled and turned around for the third time and went to my car.
Then I thanked the Lord for allowing me to perhaps bring a little joy into that mom’s life. Was she married? Was she from an abusive home? Did she go to church? Truthfully, I don’t know and I don’t need to know. However, I do know that she is a mom with two young children, who was doing her best to keep her children from disturbing others, and that can be a tough job! Even if the kids were noisy or screaming or even yelling, doesn’t she deserve a bouquet of flowers? Absolutely!
Sometimes we forget about all the work that is involved in being a parent. We are in our own little world, doing our own things and sadly we don’t want to be disturbed. As a Christian we shouldn’t be like that, our actions should reflect our Savior’s actions. When He entered into a town or city he talked to the people, and usually they were considered not the “best” type of people, like the tax collectors. I wondered what would have happened if He decided not to heal the sick or perhaps not get too close to the lepers? If He acted like we sometimes act today, the events in the Bible would have had a different outcome. Thankfully He decided that people were more important than His comfort!
So, what will you do the next time you see a mother with her kids? Will you think twice before judging her? Will you talk to her and encourage her? Will you do something nice for her like pay for her meal, or buy her kids some ice cream? Or, will you continue to stay in the comfort of your little world? Comfort or blessing, which will you choose?
