I went on a mission trip to the Philippines once. I was going with a group of dentists and hygienists to run a free dental clinic. I am neither a dentist nor a hygienist so I felt a little useless, but they said they needed “support staff.” I guess I can pray and stuff, I thought.
Right before I left on this trip, I happened to read today’s verse. I marveled at how apt it felt. And at that moment I prayed to God that I would happily serve in whatever way was needed, even if it meant cleaning bathrooms.
When I arrived in the Philippines, I was told that in addition to running the dental clinic, we would be helping a young couple move into their new home. It was in really rough shape. My job would be to clean their bathroom.
My jaw dropped and then I laughed. I imagined God laughing too saying, “I called your bluff!” I’ve learned that God has a great sense of humor.
So I cleaned that bathroom (which really was in developing world rough shape) with a smile on my face and a song in my heart because I knew God was there with me, smiling at His good joke.
After that I did get to do lots of more fun things like paint a mural on a wall and take before and after photos of the dental patients. (Those after photos were very rewarding photos! People had been in pain and ashamed of their teeth and now they were beaming.) But I will always associate this verse with God’s good joke on me.
Dear God,
Thank you for sharing your sense of humor with me during a time when I need it badly. Thank you for promising to be with me always, everywhere. Remind me that everything I do should be done as if I am doing it for you and with you. I love that.
CamDevo 