Get Up and Love Shelby

By Susan Evans

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) NIV

What a joy it has been working together with many of you in the production of plays and skits over the years! Sometimes a phrase, or certain delivery of a line still pops in my mind. That’s the case from an Easter musical Celebrate Life! in 2015 when Trey Warrick, Travis Burch, Cal Robertson, and Tony Tench played the parts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As each relived details of their journey with Jesus, the scriptures came to life, including the story of Jesus healing Jairus’ daughter. As this particular story unfolded, each disciple stood to tell what they heard from Jesus. (Luke 8:54- 55). They repeated in succession, with just the right mix of ev- er-so-gentle-kindness and authority… “Get up my child”, then Luke (Cal) exclaimed… “and she did!”

Luke recounts that after the child got up, they gave her something to eat.

What do you suppose she did after she ate? Who smiled first… Jesus or the child? Did she give Jesus a hug? Did her eyes sparkle as she helped her Mom? Did she run and tell her friends the great news? Did she love and laugh and spread joy?

Sometimes when I just can’t get motivated to get up, that phrase, “Get up my child” comes to me as clear as when I heard it on stage. Whether it’s getting up from bed, or just getting up from a spiritual slump, I am motivated by those words; “Get up my child!” Where do you find yourself right now? Well, “Get up my child!”, after all, you are a child of God. Now with a bright smile, go and lavish that love on someone using both words and action!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me your child. Thank you for being with me as I get up and share your love and the hope you so generously give. Forgive me when I slip and fall, forgive my sin. Thank you for teaching us to do what is right and for lavishing your love on us. In Jesus precious name, Amen.