It was 1pm and I had just finished the 3rd
reading of Dr. Suess’ “Ears” to Lili (3 ½) and Yan (16mo.). They giggled as we
made all the sound effects together – the sound of rain, ticking clocks, drum
beats, bubble gum pops, snores and sisters singing.
There was a knock at the gate. (WHO knocks?!! Most just walk
in!) Two Arabic-speaking ladies in long colorful robes greeted me with unsure
smiles.
I could see they had a baby with them. I welcomed them in.
They came into our house and sat down on our mat, a blue,
green and yellow plastic mosaic. They introduced themselves and explained that
this baby was 2 weeks old and his mother had died a week ago. As the aunt held
the baby she was feeding him from a sippy cup with watered down cow’s milk made
from milk powder. The baby was tiny.
They said that yesterday they had been to the hospital and
were sent home with a paper. “Auntie” opened her bright pink, plastic Chinese-made
purse with the handle missing and pulled out a torn piece of paper with one
word on it. “******”.
The Greek word for “servant”. Also the name of our NGO. As I
read the scribble, it’s significance struck me. The hospital turned them down,
so where do they go? The servant. The one who serves. Take him to ******. They’ll
help.
I got a shiver down my back as I thought about all the people
who came to Jesus who had been to doctors and had tried medical care already.“ But,
the Servant. Surely, He can help me!”
I thought of how many times I’ve struggled with living here.
Struggled with being thankful for this life, instead of wishing I was living it
somewhere else, some other way. Of course at times I love it and wouldn’t
choose anything else – but other times I resent it and want to leave the poor
to fix themselves. Grief hit my heart. Love filled my heart. This is what life
is about. Being like “the Servant”.
The ladies and I chatted for a while and talked about how we
could help them.
Before they left, Lili and I had a chance to pray a blessing
on this little boy (that was after Lili offered him her left-over ice-cream and
sprinkles from our 5th anniversary celebration!).
As I walked them out, I thanked God in my heart for moments
like this when I see Him clearly. Jesus, the Servant King.
How amazing, that I bear his name too – “servant”. God, make me like you more.
Purify my selfish heart and make me a servant.
“ The Son of Man did not come to BE served, but TO serve and
to give His life as a ransom for many”. Mark 10:45
