Guest Post - Cups of Cold Water

While we are in the midst of grieving for the loss of my mother-in-law, of moving my father-in-law to memory care, and of fighting off a ferocious virus, I've asked Liz Klas to write a guest post.  I've seen her insights on Facebook and realize she has the soul of a writer.  I wish I had a blog to steer you to, but so far she hasn't started one.  

Cups of Water
by Elizabeth J. Klas


“Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays so well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him.” ~St. Dominic Savio
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A “cup of water”, of course, is not just a cup of water, coffee or lemonade. A “cup of water” is anything that refreshes or revives another: a smile, a compliment, a joke, a helping hand or a cup of water. Our days most likely abound with these “cups of water”. We need to notice them, name them celebrate them. Why? Because the Lord does.

A "cup of water", a seemingly insignificant act of kindness offered in His name will not only be noticed by the King of Kings, but please Him enough to be rewarded. Ridiculous! Wonderful.

Notice it. Whether offered by you or by another, notice it; don't let it slip by. It is not just a “cup of water”; it is an act of kindness in which one person takes the time to consider the needs of another above their own.  This pleases Him.  

Name it. Your boss may be too busy to notice the cup of coffee you bring him every morning. He may be angry because you didn't add enough cream.  Or perhaps he put your name in for employee of the month.  His response matters little.  Jesus names it a "cup of water", a chance taken to esteem and value another person as much as He does.  This pleases Him.

Celebrate it.  Every “cup of water”, whatever form it takes, is an opportunity to revive, refresh and love. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed*”. This perspective suddenly transforms mundane tasks into purposeful opportunities. We feel energized, invigorated and thankful.  This pleases Him.  

Certainly some "cups of water" will be overlooked, taken advantage of or even misunderstood.  This matters little because we know that Jesus acknowledges them as opportunities taken to demonstrate our love for Him, opportunities to do good and to please Him. So, notice them, name them, then celebrate them because “nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays so well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him.”


*Mark 9:41, Mat 10:42; Prov. 11:25