I like a person that I can count on in both the little and the larger personal matters and dealings of my life. And, I would like to think that I can be counted on for most anything that I am able to do for God, family, and friends.
Having several arthritis' and auto-immune diseases, I am limited in many of my physical movements, so my husband graciously goes out of his way to help make my life easier. I want to say that I am so very thankful to God and the loving husband, He gave me, Don helps me in so many kind and chivalrous ways!
Now, one might think this not very valiant, but one way Don helps me, is by faithfully going under the bathroom vanity to retrieve an extra roll of toilet paper. This is so there is always one on the counter, so that I don't have to try and reach under the counter for a roll myself.
I on the other hand always seem to be the one to do the actual replacing of the toilet paper onto the roll itself. Now, I didn't mind doing this at home, but suddenly it seemed like I was doing it everywhere... at a store, a friend's home, church and even the doctor's office.
So, one day I looked up and asked God, "Why am I always in a bathroom that needs a roll of toilet paper placed on the roll?"
As compassionate, approachable and almighty our Lord is, He is also diligent, eager and earnest in answering our small curiosities and questions as well as our bigger inquiries! He spoke this verse to my heart, "One who is faithful in a very least is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." Luke 16:10
Now, I realize that this chapter in Luke speaks mostly about monetary ideals, still in this chapter in my life... it spoke to me about everything that I do! God not only knows our agendas, He looks at the small and the larger things we do, ll are equally important to Him!
When I began to think about it, these thoughts crossed my mind: Do my family and friends find me faithful and trustworthy, am I credible and reliable? Do I follow through, am I a person that others can rely on, no matter what is going on in my life?
I want to always be the type of person who says, "I'll call you and then I do!" I want to be the one who says, "I'll help you out and then I do my best to assist them!"
But, does my life really say I'm faithful? Can people describe me as, honest, believable, responsible and a true-blue, devoted friend?
If we are talking about being faithful in the least of things, I think that putting toilet paper on its roller is one of the slightest and smallest tasks one can be responsible for.
So, my "toilet paper caper" is not an antic or some tomfoolery, it is God asking me, "Will you be faithful in the small things I give you to do? Will you serve me in whatever I ask of you?" It is God testing my heart with one of the smaller tasks.
Today's world seem to want so much more without any of the very little! We want to work without any effort... we want the winnings without the sweat... and the bonus without the dedication or tenacity.
Our devotion to personal responsibilities, attention to the tiniest of details and our commitment to follow through... are the promises we make to God and the people in our lives. Being faithful with the little things are the building blocks to larger and greater "things" in our lives.
Again, my diseases often keep me from being as faithful as I would like to be, but when I am having a good day, I hope that others know I strive to be a loyal and reliable friend. Sadly, many in today's generation are careless and irresponsible.
There are too many excuses and cover-ups for the unscrupulous and corrupt, including the leaders of our country who have become reprobate, corrupt and even immoral!
We might contemplate some of the following questions:
- Do we follow through with what we promise to do?
- Are our words dependable enough to seal the deal?
- Do we look out for how our actions affect others?
- If a deadline is missed at times, do we touch base with those who are expectant of a promise we've made?
- Are we accountable and trustworthy?
You may be the conscientious and diligent person, but I know that many of us could use a double dose of honor and dedication in our everyday lives. I now look at putting a roll of toilet paper as an honor... because I still have the use of my hands for which I am reminded to be very thankful!!!
Our approach to life, our demeanor and our attitude should always reflect the God we love and serve!