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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Willingness (02/21/05)
“Angela, would you mop the floor?” I asked. The words were barely out of my mouth before the mop popped out of the closet. I smiled inwardly. She was always so ready to please, and she did everything with a happy face. I knew that when she was done she would call me to inspect her work, eagerly waiting to see if I would be pleased with what she had done.

Angela would do anything that I asked, or at least she would try with all her heart. Her physical and mental handicaps limited what she could accomplish, but there were no limits on her attitude. If only everyone in the church would be so ready to serve, I thought – including, I grudgingly realized – me.

When God calls to me, I often don’t have the heart to hear. I’m busy with some project of my own that simply can’t be interrupted. Although I’m the first to gripe about others who don’t pitch in where I think they should, I know that God sees my unwilling heart when He calls me to some task.

God must really smile as he watches Angela. She waits eagerly to be asked. Her hands fairly tingle with the desire to help. Standing almost on tiptoe, she watches expectantly for opportunity. Although her abilities are limited, her spirit is limitless. She pours all of her heart into merely being ready to do the will of those she loves. No task is beneath her dignity, and she fully believes that with help, she can accomplish what needs to be done. She does not consider the drudgery or the time – only the reward of pleasing others. She is a blessing.

Angela humbles me. May God grant me the grace to be like her. May He find me ready to pour all of my heart into pleasing Him – no matter how small the task or how hard the job He asks of me. May I be a blessing for Him.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Diane Johnson
02/28/05
Beautiful message. Yes, Lord, make me like Angela.
Sally Hanan
02/28/05
Just beautiful!
Melanie Kerr 
02/28/05
The world is all to quick to cast the "Angelas" aside - yet God uses them to teach us precious truth.
Lynne Gaunt
03/01/05
This is a beautiful portrayal of Angela - she sounds like a sweetie. I'm so glad that you are able to see her as a blessing.

This sentence really got me, must be that I am guilty too:

"When God calls to me, I often don’t have the heart to hear"

Good writing, keep up the great work!
donna robinson
03/04/05
Some times we look at people with what we think are "lesser abilities" and see only that part of them. As this so beautifully shows, their ability often far surpasses ours.
Debbie OConnor
03/07/05
A precious story. Congratulations!
Nancy Hardy
03/26/05
What a gorgeous reflection of Jesus, Angela portrays to the world. In our weakness, He is made strong. God bless her heart as she serves with such an unselfish spirit. And Lord God, please impair my heart, that I, too, may disable my ego and serve You, unselfishly. Wonderful story/ life-lesson, Karen! A well-deserved win! - Nancy
Deborah Porter 
04/04/05
Karen, I'm so glad this made it into the book. It is a precious and beautiful acknowledgement of all the "Angela's". I feel blessed and challenged, just for having read it. With love, Deb (Challenge Co-ordinator)