Left Behind
I looked up just as a mumbled, “thank you,” escaped the lips of the young boy, while tears covered his mud-caked face.
“Am I hurting you?” I questioned.
A quick shake of his head was the only answer I received…
Hours earlier, I felt delighted to retrieve my husband from his week of mishaps at Camp Hideaway… the place he could be found serving alongside the children’s ministry team that summer.
I enjoyed the final evening's festivities along with parents who had come to gather their campers. As the celebration ended, only a few staff families remained, each pitching in to tidy-up.
In the back of the pavilion sat a second grade boy. Immediately, the adults began to question whether his parents had been in attendance. With a solemn shake of his head… a quick phone call determined he would not be picked-up for several hours.
I shot a pleading look at my new groom in the glow of fluorescent lighting. We both quickly volunteered to bring him home until he could be reunited with his family.
Ryan attempted to erase the worried look on the young boy’s face during our drive. But the occasional chuckle and one word answers were the only response coming from the backseat.
I noticed his tattered clothing and dirty backpack as the three of us trudged toward the apartment. His toes squished together in sandals that were clearly too small, held together by a strip of duct tape.
“Make yourself at home,” Ryan encouraged as he walked toward the kitchen to make the boy a snack. A quick gesture toward the couch was all the encouragement he needed. His gaze remained fixed on the floor, while I sat awkwardly on the other sofa.
After a few minutes of silence, a fearful look crossed his features as I inquired about the sandals.
“These are the only shoes I have,” he remarked, “I am afraid they will rip even more if I take them off.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, while trying to squelch my sudden emotion. “You can leave them on… we just want you to be comfortable while you are here.”
The stench made my stomach turn, as he carefully reached down to remove the shoes.
My heart further shattered as I surveyed his small feet; nearly every inch was covered in blisters.
“Why don’t we go clean up a little while Mr. Ryan finishes your snack.” A small shrug was all he provided and I led the way to the bathroom.
After a quick wash, I grabbed some bandages and ointment along with a pair of Ryan’s socks to complete the task.
I heard another quiet “thank you,” as he padded happily back down the hallway.
The phone rang at midnight, signaling the time had come to return our young charge. He barely stirred as Ryan gathered his sleeping form off of the couch.
I couldn’t stop the tears that trailed my cheeks as we bid goodbye to the family; glancing repeatedly in the mirror until they were no longer in view.
I ushered up a silent prayer once sleep finally crowded in around me after hours of replaying the evening’s events.
Years later, the boy came to mind as I studied the Last Supper. I focused on the portion where Jesus demonstrated servant-leadership - as he lovingly washed the feet of those in attendance. John 13:1-20
He was resolved in completing the task, even when Peter attempted to refuse.
There was no hesitation as Jesus wiped away the grime from the one who would later betray Him.
As I re-read the passage, I remembered the eagerness I felt to protect and serve that sweet little boy.
I had no reservations about helping a child that I’d never met. I felt no uneasiness as I knelt by the tub to wash away the off-putting smell that clung to his feet.
But as quickly as those thoughts formed, other questions plagued me…
Would I have been as eager to serve, if someone else had been “left behind” that evening?
You know, a “difficult" person - that annoying coworker or the family member that only thinks of themselves. Would I have willingly served the woman who spreads vicious rumors? Or the “friend” who turned his back, in my greatest hour of need…
Surely God would send someone, anyone else to their rescue. He wouldn’t ask me to love and serve “those” people. Would He?
”So if I, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet as well. For I gave you [this as] an example, so that you should do [in turn] as I did to you. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed [happy and favored by God] if you put them into practice [and faithfully do them].” (John 12:14-17, AMP)
Ouch… Did you catch that? Jesus himself, giving clear instructions on the way in which His followers should serve.
Obviously, showing love through service comes easily when the recipient expresses gratitude. But what of those times we never receive acknowledgment or are met with apathy toward our efforts?
“For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brothers [wishing them God’s blessing and peace], what more [than others] are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [who do not know the Lord] do that? You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:46-48, AMP)
If our goal as believers is spiritual maturity, through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross… then following His example becomes a necessary part of that process.
May this simple prayer be our daily guide…
Lord, thank you for choosing me to share your love. May my eyes be fixed on your example of leadership, serving anyone who is “left behind.”
In Jesus Name,
Amen