Willing (5 minute prompt)

Willing 3/10/14

I have a confession.  I am not always willing.  You know, when someone calls and asks you if you can babysit last minute or bring a meal or help out, I don’t always feel so willing.  And that is my confession. I always feel great after I do the thing and say yes and offer the service.  But for that fleeting moment, I am not willing.  And I feel guilty for not feeling willing.  Because I know people who are always willing and they are just the most kind, generous and loving people I know.  I want to be more like them!  They are my role models.  So, in my angst about not feeling willing, I thought, you know, Jesus was willing.  He was willing to do the hardest thing ever done.  He was willing to perform and carry out the atonement.  He was willing to take on my pains, weaknesses, faults and misfortunes.  He was willing to feel my toe being stubbed, my shame, my embarrassment and sadness, my labor pains and my tears.  He was willing and able and did feel these things.  A true example of willing.  And was I deserving?  Not really.  Do I take full advantage of the atonement?  Not as often as I should, I am sure.  But he is still willing to listen to me complain and ask for help and be on my side.  Even if my side is the most unwilling and bratty side.  And thank goodness for Him, because without Him I would be lost.  Someone at church the other day said, “Service should pinch a little.”  It shouldn’t be convenient to serve.  And I am certain that the atonement wasn’t convenient but it sure has sustained me and I am ever so grateful.