Becoming like Jesus

Earlier this morning, we learned that a friend would be coming to stay with us for a time. It was sudden, but it is our delight to open our home to a friend in need. But that's not what I am writing about right now. After Adrian got the phone call, he told the girls that our friend was in great need of a place to stay and would be coming over this afternoon. A few minutes later Avril asked for a bag. Eventually, she came into the kitchen with a zip-lock filled with little things--some band-aids, fruit, peppermints, among other things. I asked what she was doing and she replied, "You'll see." Adrian thought it might be a survival pack. Avril regularly does things like this, especially after reading something in one of her Ranger Rick magazines. Another 10 minutes later, Avril came into the kitchen again and asked for a few more things. By now the bag had more stuff--some pencils, sticks of gum and her $10 bill. I asked if she was leaving. "No." Finally, I asked, "Is this bag for our friend?" "Yes." I started to cry. I said, "You're giving him $10?" "$11--I put my quarters in there." I was so moved that Avril would immediately seek to bless someone that she had learned was in need. All of the little things were so thougtful, but her $10 bill was a treasure for her. Avril can really struggle (like most of us) to put others before herself. I grabbed her and hugged her and told her how proud I was. But more importantly that seeking to bless someone (especially at a cost to her) was very pleasing to God and that God would bless her in return. When I looked at her I could see the Lord. She was so beautiful. I emphasized that I was seeing Jesus in her at that moment and that she is becoming more like him through this act of love. It is such an enormous blessing to me to see Avril demonstrate Christ to others. I was also convicted to look for ways to bless those around me even when it cost me something. It is a great reminder that He is always working in us even if we don't see the results for a period of time.