One Sabbath at church I was feeling really discouraged. I remember praying to God and asking Him to clean my heart from discouragement. I was just feeling so down. I was in the restroom washing my hands, earnestly praying to God in my mind.
Oh Father, I cried from the depths of my heart and mind. Please help me! I feel so–
“¡Hola!”
I looked down to see a little girl, looking up at me with a sweet smile on her face.
“¡Hola!”
“Uh…hola.” I said.
The girl then began to talk to me–in Spanish. As I listened, I just smiled and nodded; I didn’t know Spanish, unfortunately. But it was cute to hear her little childish chatter. As she was talking she was drawing something in her little notebook. I finished washing my hands and began to dry them with a paper towel from one of the paper towel dispensers.
“Evey*!” A woman called out, standing with the restroom door open.
The little girl–who I guess was named Evey–ripped out her drawing and gave it to me. She then scurried off after her mom.
Now all alone in the restroom, I looked down at the drawing; my heart was touched.
Oh Father, I thought. You must’ve sent that girl to cheer me up, didn’t You?
A month or so later, I was standing in the corner of my church’s kitchen. My church had just finished a youth revival event and everyone was cleaning up after the light supper. My heart was honestly filled with self-pity because I felt like nobody cared that my birthday was coming up.
Then I glanced over at the open kitchen door and guess who I saw.
It was Evey.
She came skipping over to me and gave me a flower. Then she ran back to her mom and they left.
Oh Lord, I thought. Please forgive me for feeling so selfish about my birthday. Thank You for cheering me up nonetheless.
These two experiences I had with little Evey illustrate a point Jesus made to His disciples. In Mark 10:15 Jesus said–
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
What does that mean for us as Seventh-Day Adventist Christian teens? Ellen White has some commentary on this verse that’s both beautiful and powerful:
“The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail……………The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness.”
—Desire of Ages pgs. 436, 437
Just like Evey showed simplicity, self-forgetfulness, and confiding love in giving me the drawing and the flower, so are we to show those same attributes to those around us through our words, actions, and life.
To some people, that little drawing and flower may not look amazing and extraordinary. In a way, it isn’t; I mean, a little drawing and a simple flower can’t compare with a giant cake and an elaborate shopping spree. But the LOVE behind these little gifts made the IMPACT amazing and extraordinary. Why? Because, receiving something small and plain that’s given out of warm love is more worthwhile than receiving something big and extravagant that’s given out of cold indifference.
And it is the heart of child-likeness that God desires us as Seventh-Day Adventist Christian teens to have. A heart that gives and longs to give the small, simple gifts of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” to all (Galatians 5:22-23).
This world is filled with people who are struggling with discouragement and depression. Their sin-darkened hearts are in need of people who–like Evey–will come to them and give them a simple drawing of kindness; a little flower of love. We need to be like Evey.
Is that something you want in your life? To be a reflection of what Heaven sees as “real greatness?” To be a little Evey to someone who is struggling with discouragement, depression, and doubt? If that’s your desire, dear reader, then just pray:
I’d like to conclude this blog post with the lyrics of one of my favorite songs. It is my hope and prayer that as you read these lyrics and meditate on the above prayer, you’ll be inspired to be a simple, yet powerful, witness to all around you. Just like Evey.
Amid the countless blessings the Lord has given me
The light of truth and goodness;
The Holy Spirit’s peace
I see the many sorrows that His children must endure
So much hurt I long to heal.
How can I change the world?
Chorus:
There are hands I cannot hold
Hearts I cannot comfort
Tears that only miracles can stay
So let me love and serve and teach
Those who come within my reach
For miracles begin that way
The Savior walked in Galilee,
unknown in many lands
Yet touching every nation by the labors of His hands
Giving light to all the world by teaching but the few
He is my example in the work that I must do
I will bear the burden of my neighbor in his need
I will share my Savior’s love in every kindly deed
He will magnify my efforts, and I’ll understand at last
That by these small and simple things
are great things brought to pass.
–[© Sally DeFord Miracles Lyrics
May each of us today be inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be miracle-makers and world-changers–one simple drawing and one little flower at a time! Amen!