A Drop in the Bucket

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

Our team has been in a sacred place this morning and I am sure you will be reading more about it as the other team members share their reflections.

A common question of many: "Is what I am doing really matter when there is so much more to do?" Small acts of kindness seem like tiny drops of water in the bucket of life, and yet to those who step back and reflect on the greater picture, we know that through faith and the mystery of the Lord's blessing, these tiny drops of water cause ripples that go out and change a person forever.

Today, I had the privilege to meet a five year old whose life has been changed through the Mercy Ships ministry. This little girl was severely burned and disfigured in her face when she fell into a cooking fire. She is barely able to see through one eye. She lost her nose also in the accident.

We had the privilege to visit her in the recovery ward. She faces another surgery at the end of the week to reconstruct her nose. What is impressive about this young lady is not the medical miracle that is happening through her multiple surgeries or the future that is being given to her, but her joyful spirit.

Though currently disfigured in appearance, she is beautiful in spirit. In fact, she has learned from those who care for her to say, "I am beautiful!" She repeated this several times while we were with her, and it is absolutely true.

As our beloved senior pastor said upon leaving the room, "People look at outward appearances, but God looks at the heart." When God looks at this young lady, I am sure that God smiles. Her joyfulness is contagious, and despite her circumstances, she is full of life. She will share much love throughout her days. She has started her ministry at a very young age. The ripples that will go forth from her transformed life will be many.

My sincere affirmations to the nurses and translators who serve in these wards every day. Their patient love and care, their playfulness and joyful hearts are making a great impact in the lives of others. What makes this possible? The Great Physician to whom we all owe our lives.

I came to Mercy Ships to observe their ministry and offer encouragement to the many team members who serve here so faithfully. Today, a little girl ministered to me. Laughter, living in the moment...a simple drop of God's love into my heart.

Doug