What Moves Us

What moves you? Is it music, or good drama? Is it poetry?
Are you moved by a good story? Do books inspire you?

I am inspired by all of these things. I think many people are like me in their reaction to a good song, a moving drama, a stirring poem, a good story, or a book that sweeps you into another place or makes you think.

But, what moves us into action? What turns inspiration into movement? What moves us enough to put aside our own needs, desires, schedules, pedicures, or whatever for a few days or even one day, one hour?

Well, for me, it's the voice of my children. When they call me, I am there, as any mother would be. "Mommy, can we play playdoh?" Of course, I'm going to get the playdoh down and make red spaghetti, yellow worms, green snails and whatever else we come up with. (I think Playdoh is a wonderful invention) "Mommy, can we read a book?" Sure we're going to read any book they pick, probably three times, happily! This is as it should be unless it is a bedtime stall tactic.

But, is there another voice we should respond to? Does God call us into action? When there is a need, are we there? Should we do SOMETHING, even if it is the smallest thing? This does not mean putting family second. But, I also do not feel that we can hide behind, "family first," as an excuse not to do ANYTHING to help others in need. What is it today that has brought us to the point that we use our family to excuse ourselves from service? What are we teaching our children? If my child sees me never helping, never serving, what will his or her feeling about service be? So, are we really putting family first when we never inconvenience ourselves a little bit in the name of service? God calls us to serve. That is part of our job as Christians.

In Mark chapter 3, Jesus was teaching and his mother and brothers came. There was a crowd so they could not get in. Someone said to Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are outside and wish to have a word with you." In verses 33-34, Jesus said, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" 34 Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers."

Jesus did not drop what He was doing in service to God to go to His earthly family. There has to be a balance. Jesus had this balance, and I think as Christians, we should too.

If everyone just stepped up to do SOMETHING, even something small, then the world would be radically changed for God. Our children would learn that there are people in need and that we can help by our example and not by our lip service. They would see that being a true friend and servant means setting aside what you had planned for the day and stepping up to meet the needs of others, no matter how small a contribution of time you might be able to make.