The Gift

She stood tall, physically and also spiritually. I could just tell. She wore confidence yet also humility. I could tell that, too. And even though she seemed content, she was obviously concerned.  She cared. She wanted to know what I thought. And she wanted me to help her. So she asked for my help, respectfully. And I remember thinking that day at school how thankful I was for the respectful student before me.

And oh she wanted to learn. More even than I was giving her. And I could tell she appreciated the extra time I was spending with her. “Thank you,” she repeated as I continued to answer her questions while complimenting her on her concerns. And I knew she meant it.  Her response wasn’t mechanical or manipulative, but genuine and appreciative. A lot was packed in her thanks. And I remember thanking God for this gift before me, the gift of the respectful child. She filled my heart.

And I woke up this morning thinking about her, the respectful child, and praying that today I respectfully give Jesus that same gift. Me.

“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him” (Luke 20:13 NAS).