From the collection “Story Poems” by Abigayle

What would Jesus do…

(By Abigayle, 2002)

The day had been a long one… a mother’s work is never done…

But at last, the kids were sleeping – and now MY time had come.

I thought I’d fill the bathtub, and just soak my cares away.

I’d read that book I like so much – and thank God for the end of my day.

But as I ran my water, and gathered up my things…

I groaned in disappointment when I heard the doorbell ring.

Now who would dare intrude upon my hard-earned quiet time?

But as I peeked between the drapes – I knew who I would find.

There stood the widow Hanson, who lives just down the block.

Her husband died not long ago – and boy, does she like to talk!

My first thought was “I just won’t answer”, or perhaps I’ll make up an excuse…

But then a small voice deep inside me asked, “I wonder what Jesus would do?”

What WOULD Jesus do?  What would Jesus say?

What would Jesus think if he were here today?

Would he be proud of me?  Or would he shed a tear?

Would I act differently… if HE were standing here?

To that question, there’s only one answer – Jesus would do what was right.

He’d greet her with warmth and compassion – and welcome the widow inside.

And so I turned off my bathwater, ashamed of how selfish I’d been.

“Why hello, Mrs. Hanson.  How are you?  It’s so lovely to see you again.”

The look on her face was so grateful – and I could see there were tears in her eyes.

“Why thank you, my dear,” she said softly.  “My house was so lonely tonight.”

From now on – when I feel myself waiver… caught up in the trials of the day,

I’ll ask myself ONE SIMPLE QUESTION; “I wonder what Jesus would say?”

What WOULD Jesus do?  What would Jesus say?

What would Jesus think if he were here today?

Would he be proud of me?  Or would he shed a tear?

Would I act differently – if HE were standing here?