A Pleasant Surprise

Night before last had just gotten home from the gym and was greeted with something special. The house was dark, which is unusual with 5 kids who usually don't understand the concept of turning out the lights when they leave the room. As I curiously opened the door, I was greeted with the pleasant smells of cinammon and spice. Norah Jones played softly in the background. As I explored into the kitchen, I was greeted by 5 little servants with dish towels neatly folded over their arms, who asked, "How may we serve you, Sir?" I laughed as I was instructed to take a shower because they said I smelled like the gym. In the bathroom, rose petals from our thorny bushes outside were scattered across the floor. Apparently, Michele had already received "the treatment". I took my shower, dressed, and was instructed to get in the bed. B4 brushed my hair. B1 rubbed peppermint lotion on my feet. B2 and B3 served fruit and milk from random baking pans. B5, the caboose, just ran back and forth in the hallway yelling, "Dadddeeee!"

Perhaps it's easy to forget that our greatest teachers can be children. In these moments of being served by my kids, I was reminded and even convicted of my own unwillingness to serve. I guess we all have our reasons, but Jesus reminds us (JN 13:1-17) through his own service that none of us is greater than our master. Our call is to humbly share the same grace we have received, no matter what excuse we may offer.

Again, children are great teachers, if we are humble enough to receive the blessing. "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

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