Except a Little Bit ...

It’s been one of those days. I feel spent. I taught the educational at the writers group I attend on Monday night and then started teaching a six week series on Tuesday night at our evening women’s bible study.  Add in the usual details of the day with five children, and I feel drained, emotionally and physically. 

I was acutely aware of only having a little bit to offer, every step of oday.  A little bit of time to do my duties. A little bit of energy to play a game with the children.  A little bit of faith to persevere. A little idea to write. A little bit of food in the fridge to make dinner. A little bit of trust. A little bit of drive to fold a load of laundry, make a bed, fold a blanket, fill out paperwork. A little bit of motivation to go down to the basement and do my work out.

That’s where I finally found myself tonite. I tucked the little kids in to bed and reluctantly pulled on my running shoes and stretched on my workout clothes. I heard the cookies and ice cream calling my name from the kitchen, but I tuned them out – just barely.  

I dragged myself to the basement and climbed aboard the stationary bike to start my scheduled “intervals” – 2 minutes fast, 1 minute slow x 4. Not that bad, so why was it so grueling?  Then I transferred over to the treadmill to do a steady mere 20 minutes at a 6.0 pace.  Not that fast. Not that far. Every minute was a milestone. I did a lot of self-talk on that 20 minute run, asking myself, “Can you make it one more minute?” and wincing in response, “Yes, I can do that little bit.”

As I clomped (yes, I’m not kidding – clomped) along on the track of the treadmill, each step seeming to grow louder and louder, I began to remember some stories.

I remembered the five little stones that David had and how God used those little stones.

I remembered the 2 little mites that the widow offered and how God honored her.

I remembered a scarlet thread that Rahab hung out her window, and how God loved her.

I remembered the little bit of oil another widow had, and how God provided for her as she obeyed and did as Elisha said.

I remembered the five little barley loaves and the two smelly fish and how God took a meager meal and fed a multitude.

It’s been said that “little is much when God is in it.” I admit that I feel as if I only have a little, but that little I am determined to offer to the Lord, bit by bit, to do as He pleases, when He pleases, where He pleases, how He pleases.

I stepped off the track at exactly 20:00 minutes, breathing heavily and sweating profusely, but glad that I gave a little, minute by minute.

Except a little oil, except a scarlet thread.

Except five little stones, one thrown at the giants head.

Except two little mites, two fish and five loaves, too.

Except my little seed of faith, this I have to offer You.