Diaper Duty is in Fashion
Our first son, Steve, was born four days after our second anniversary. Our income was small, as we served at our first church, fresh out of Bible college. With money being tight, we hesitantly choose to go with cloth diapers. I would like to say this decision was to "save the planet," but that would not be true. Our decision was simply to save money. I can still remember the process of using the toilet to rinse out messy diapers. I can only thank God for Huggies, Pampers, or whatever parents use today!
Years later, when we welcomed our first grandchild Carter, my husband wanted to bless our kids by supplying disposable diapers until he was potty-trained. I reminded Steve that what we do for one grandchild, we must do for all. Well, seven grandchildren later, our disposable diaper supply agreement is completed after fifteen years!
Buying diapers isn't very sexy if you know what I mean. When other grandparents purchased cute outfits for their grandkids, we bought diapers in BIG boxes at Costco. If they were on sale, we bought two at a time. From newborn size to Pull-Ups, we were texting to ensure we got the right size at the right time. All this was a behind-the-scenes operation; no one said, "I love the look of those diapers!" or gave us a high-five on social media for being such amazing grandparents. It was insignificant to the world but not to our family. There is a lesson we can learn from this seemingly, insignificant act of kindness.
Most times, the things you do "behind the scenes" are hidden and overlooked by the masses but life-changing for the one. However, encouragement, financially and in other ways, pays huge relational dividends.
This simple thought reminds me of how Jesus wants us to live. We get the privilege to be on DIAPER DUTY for a world that needs Jesus. The small, insignificant things you do matter! You represent Jesus all the time.
You see a mom struggling with her child at Target, and you speak a kind word to encourage her, letting her know you've been there too!
You bring a meal to someone who is recovering from surgery.
You visit a shut-in.
The possibilities are endless when we heed the Holy Spirit's promptings.
Do you remember the story about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30?
Robbers beat a man and left him for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Three people had the opportunity to help him, but two chose to walk away like his life did not matter. One Levite and one priest - both were considered religious. Finally, a Samaritan unexpectedly stopped and cared for the man. The Bible says the Samaritan went to him, bandaged his wounds, pouring in oil and wine. Wine is an antiseptic, and oil helps heal a wound heal and prevent scarring. Then he put him on his donkey and took him to an inn where he could receive further care. The Samaritan pays for his room and care and then tells the inn owner that he will pay any additional costs on his return trip.
The Samaritan is ALL IN when it comes to kindness. I want to be like the Samaritan. Many acts of kindness are hidden and may not receive praise from others. It's ok – God sees it all!
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” I Peter 4:10-11(NIV)
When we are living our best life, simple acts of kindness and words spoken can reflect the love of Jesus. You SPEAK JESUS to those who need to hear His name, both in word and deeds. Don't take what you do and how you speak as unnecessary or invaluable.
Fifteen years later, I am so grateful for that opportunity to be a blessing. You and I are FASHIONED to serve others.
I love this season of serving PennDel Women!
Liz
