Their mandate was clear. Create and post a sign explaining “do not eat until…”. What I did not realize was that the two young girls had also been charged with enforcing the rule! The unfolding artwork reflected their understanding. Using bright white poster board, their piece had each of the following elements.
Bold!
Bright!
A clear Message!
I quietly took a couple of pictures as they worked, focusing on their handiwork.
My awareness of their full mandate came a few minutes later as fresh popcorn – warm, buttery, and strong smells – arrived. Natural hunger drove my response. Ignoring the sign, I reached for a handful of fresh popcorn. Even as I began my motion, they were in my face!
“Don’t touch the food!”
“Can’t you read?” Given my actions, they assumed my answer. “It says do not eat.”
“Don’t you know how to obey?”
It was a great moment. Two girls, six and seven years old, were standing tall. They did not seem to realize that I was an adult. They did not care that I was taller and bigger than they were. They had a mandate. They were in charge. They knew the truth.
Life often seems bigger than me – bigger, stronger, and overwhelming. Two girls reminded me of Paul’s response to a jailor and his judges. “Paul wouldn’t budge. He told the officers, ‘They beat us up in public and threw us in jail, Roman citizens in good standing! And now they want to get us out of the way on the sly without anyone knowing? Nothing doing! If they want us out of here, let them come themselves and lead us out in broad daylight.’” (Acts 16.37)
You and I have a mandate for compassion. We have been charged to engage in our communities. Our mission includes mercy. Two girls reminded me that the freedom within me gives me the right to stand tall. I can seize the opportunities found in today. I can be a difference. I may not always win (I did take some popcorn), but I can act.
