Our household bucket serves many purposes, as any household bucket does, but lately it’s served as, shall we say, a safety depository for our children, who have been sick the last couple of weeks.
Our daughter had to use the bucket last week and I felt a little helpless just standing there. I felt awful for her, of course, and figured my presence a few feet away would be enough, but, thankfully, her mom knew better. She came over and knelt down beside her. She said soothing words and pulled her hair back. Meanwhile I continued to stand there, a bit paralyzed with all sorts of good intentions.
Ah, good intentions. Some followers of Jesus have all sorts of good intentions. They say the right things, have a few memory verses in their back pocket, sometimes send prayers or good thoughts another’s way. Our faith, though, in order for it to be robust and make a difference in this world, needs to be more than right or wishful thinking. It demands the courage to risk and the strength to get in there and kneel down and share encouraging words and hold someone’s hair back.
Speaking as one who has had his share of good intentions, I know how challenging it can be to follow through. But as we draw closer and closer to the time of year that we call Lent–a time of reflection, action, and prayer–perhaps we can do something with our good intentions, our faith bucket list. Someone who is not well–spiritually or emotionally or physically–may be waiting for you.