On our way to Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, we stopped to view the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial. This marked the spot where 229 passengers perished, just off of these very shores. I couldn’t help but wonder how many of them had heard the good news about Jesus’ resurrection!

Glancing over the shoreline, I noticed how wild and serene it was. The pools of water reflected the beauty from above … But wait! Was that movement I saw out there … Was that MY kid hopping along from one bolder to another?

“Hey!” I stammered. “Wait!” And then I started down the path to reach him. He would most certainly need my help!

The only problem was, there wasn’t any path!

Fortunately my older son, who knows that I haven’t yet grown mountain goat feet, came to my rescue. Nevertheless, before I knew it I had unawaringly stepped into a pool of muddy water. As I felt the cold liquid penetrate my shoe and sock, soaking right through to my foot, there was only one thought that came to my mind: Yuck!

I still was far away from my younger son one, who appeared to be revelling in the thought of experiencing the Atlantic Ocean up close, and I faced a dilemma. I had to do something about my wet foot, but at the same time I wanted to be there in case he needed my help!

It never occurred to me that perhaps I was the one who needed help, and I made the ultimate sacrifice! I gave up my own comfort to limp along in my ice-cold, sopping wet footwear, so that I could be there for my son.

I wonder how much am I willing to sacrifice to tell of God’s love? After all, God has done so much for me! But wet feet! Who wants to walk around with those???

It’s then that I remembered the following Bible text: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom 10:15 NIV)

It doesn’t matter whether they are wet or not. The only thing that truly matters is that those feet are heading in the right direction: To sharing the love of Christ with others!

If we are truly hungering for God, this urge to share will compel us to do the impossible! Remember, Jesus’ return is imminent!

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14 NIV)

Yes there will be some yucky wet paths ahead, but the outcome will be worthwhile.

“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” (John 15:20 NIV)

Love cannot be stopped by yuck. Love compels us to share and to bring the total happiness that comes from God to those around us.

Oh no! Now my other foot is wet as well!

Rob Chaffart


(To access the entire “Awake!” devotional series, please click here.)