The Difference

It was just a little thing, but it was a big deal. A man I had helped just a short while ago asked for a ride to the meeting, and then when we stopped to eat he actually paid for my meal. May seem so very small to you, but there are very few folks who we deal with in this recovery world that either pay you back or pay it forward. And when it happens, it reminds us of why we give of our time and effort, it is The Difference!

I can imagine how Jesus felt when Mary washed his feet. He was so used to being the giver, the one who provided miracles, inspiration and insight into a better life, and here he was being served. He let her, even though he may not have wanted or needed his feet washed. He knew how important it was for her to do this. It was part of her healing process.

Something that was in his DNA that took me many years to understand was learning the things he did that made a difference in people's lives. Yes, he was God and he taught about having faith in God, and loving God above all else, but he showed us the way we could put the nature of God into practice in our daily lives. Love others, have compassion, serve, have faith and be doers of good, not evil. But that something extra I missed was allowing others to give back to those of us who give on his behalf, and allowing it to be their special gift to us.

Large or small, when someone says "let me do this for you", let them do it, don't say I've got this. (I am speaking to me as much as I am to you). Why has already been stated, but think of how much we may rob them of the moment that may hurt their wallet but cleanse their soul. It is their moment to shine light on someone who has been a light to them. 

You know it may not happen very often because we don't let it happen very often. Others may perceive us as not needing anything, but I can tell you for sure, that in my case, when someone does give back to me, it makes serving that much more exciting. Jesus seemed to get excited about the little things, like little children, little gifts, little people of life like Zacchaeus, the sinners and tax collectors. He saw so much good in others when everyone else saw so little.

The Difference, everyone was important to him from the first to the last, and he treated then all the same. And he allowed them to be human even in the face of perfection, and he loved them just the same. As a matter of fact he may have actually needed something...

For us to be alot like him!