I grew up on cold showers. It wasn’t really every day but I think on maybe half my days (until 21) I did take a cold shower. I spent two and a quarter years at a school that had no hot water! And I thought about this today of all days after I watched Fast 5. I thought to myself, as I envied musclebound criminals in their fast cars, devil-may-care swaggers and canned tag lines, how come my life is like it is? These guys live for thrill and money, what is my drive?
I live for Christ, HE is my reward. My portion, my inheritance. All I have is through Him. And all (good) I will ever be is because of His influence in my life.
As I stepped into my warm shower, I remembered the cold ones of long ago. One did not have a shower head. It was just a tube of cold water coming down on the concrete floor. The bathroom was so small the water thundered. I would approach it slowly, feigning to get under it, feet first, then shins, turn give it the small of my back and then all in! Stay for as long as I can and step out heaving for breath and already shivering from the cold. I would soap up very quickly, rinse and be done in 5 minutes or less! I thought of Christ bathing in cold rivers. Yes, that part of the world is hot, but I know cold water is cold water. Hot water after a long day is bliss!
I remember days when my hands knew rough wood, axes, hoes, picks, hammers and wrenches. Now they know only computer keys, pens and remote controls. The only time I handle wood is when I cook. I thought of Christ working in His father's shop, maybe even helping in the fields and later touching lepers and demoniacs.
I remember rare days when I slept on the floor, more often on a reed mat, covered by a threadbare blanket over the floor. The days of the bed overwhelm these. As I sit in my warm, very lush bed, I think of Christ sleeping in the woods with His friends. He said He had no place to lay His head.
I remember walking everywhere, now I can get to IGA by any one of two cars, by motorcycle or bicycle. My Lord rode a donkey only once. He walked the rest of the way. When others took boats, He walked still.
What is man that You would think of Him, to visit Him? Who am I Lord, that You would bless me so?
I am Your Beloved. Undeserving, but Beloved all the same. And this life with all its stuff, all the good in me and all my wickedness I give to You. Lead me to lose my life for Your sake, Your Glory and Your kingdom.
