Cup of Cold Water

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he wil certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

I read that on a day that I really didn't feel like laying down my life for anyone. (Those aren't good days for moms by the way.)

Surely I can do that. Lord, I can give a cup of cold water. Maybe not much more than that today, but certainly a cup.

I think I felt instantly better. It's pretty easy to give a cup of cold water. Right?

I find God has a funny sense of humor.

Later that day, my son was running around looking for soccer cleats. Late again.

"If you put them up after soccer, we wouldn't be doing this grand search for cleats every afternoon," I thought. I was proud of myself for holding my tongue. One point for mom.

One of my daughters was following me around asking questions, "Why can't I wear my bathing suit to soccer? It's sooooo hot." "Why did he get the last juice box?" "Where's my other flip-flop?" On and on.

I might have been totally over-stimulated. Maybe a bit hot. Certainly tired.

"Hey Mom, I found my cleats. Can you fill me a water bottle full of cold water?"

If I had been thinking, I would have noticed the irony. I wasn't thinking.

"You can get yourself your own cold bottle of water! I've told you for the last hour to get ready and you've waited until the last minute. I will not get your water!" I didn't think that. I spoke that.

And then it hit me. A cup of cold water.
I was given the chance. A literal example to serve someone straight from the Bible. And I couldn't even do that.

In my own power, I'm completely incapable of serving. I'm selfish. I'm pride-filled. I'm weak.

I think I apologized. I know I filled his water bottle. And then I filled all my other kids' water bottles. Better late with a cup of cold water than...well, late without one.