Can You Do This For Me?

I frequently ask my children to do things for me. Take for example my son, Edwin. He's such a picky eater. It's gotten to the point where he is just not gaining enough weight. I try to make him eat a lot of high calorie foods, but he just cannot do it. I've tried everything, even taking away his favorite toys!!!
I try to do the "Smart Mom" thing, and reason with him. I tell him, "Edwin, if you don't eat, you'll just shrink and I will not be able to find you any more." That line used to work, but now he's gotten too smart for me.
Out of frustration, I say, "Can you just do this for me, because it would make your Mama sooo happy?"

I've thought so much about that line, especially this Lenten season. I wonder if God feels the same way about all of us. He loves us all so much. All he asks of us is to love Him with all of our heart. In the same respect, he asks us to love our neighbor as He has loved us.

Yes, there are things in our lives that are just so difficult to do. I think about Jesus, carrying the cross, suffering and dying for us. How small our problems seem compared to the ultimate love that He has shown.

I often think of Jesus asking me, " Can you do this because I love you? Can you do this for the glory of God?" Can I forgive someone who doesn't ask for forgiveness? Can I put aside my personal feelings, swallow my selfish pride, and show my neighbor the love of Jesus through my actions?

The answer of course is , "Yes."
Jesus never said that being a Christian would be easy. With prayer and faith, we can all do what God asks of us.