Missy, Jenna and I sat glued to the little portable DVD player in the back seat of my daughters car. Jenna spends most of the twelve hour trip home watching this nifty little gadget play her favorite films. This particular evening we were watching “Small One”, a story originally written by Charles Tazewell but of course Disney had made it into a delightful little cartoon. A tear jerker none the less!
The story took place near the little town of Nazareth and it was about a little donkey named “Small One” who had become old and weak and could not carry his load anymore. He was loved by a little boy who had spent many days, throughout his life, playing with Small One. One day the father of the little boy decided that the donkey could not work hard anymore but cost money to feed him so he would have to go. Understanding his father’s dilemma, the little boy agreed to take the little donkey into town himself to find him a good home. With great hope the little boy set out for town.
Have you ever felt too old and weak, to be of any worth? Or perhaps old age isn’t what makes you feel worthless, maybe you are too young, too sick or too insignificant to feel worthy. I think all of us have been there at least a few times or maybe you are going through a season of feeling this way.
The boy optimistically went to town looking for a kind master that would take Small One and treat him well. But as he searched throughout the town not one person wanted the old donkey except the tanner who wanted to kill him for his hide. Knowing he could not go home with his friend, he was saying his last goodbyes before taking him to the tanner. As he wept (and as I wept) over the old donkey, a hand touched boy’s shoulder and he looked into the loving eyes of a man who wanted to buy the gentle donkey to carry his pregnant wife for a great distance.
Isn’t God merciful? Just as we feel we are ready for the scrap heap or the tanner, he sends us someone who lovingly reminds us of our worth. As I grow older, and as I listen to those who are even older than I am, I realize that it is the devils trick to have us give up. The author of lies, would have us believe we are worthless to everyone including God. How clever of Satan, since the gray hair on our heads usually indicates years of doing life and the wisdom that brings. Worthless? Fortunately, the bible says no such thing! Many who were of advancing age were called to do great things. Even as we read about the birth of Jesus we are introduced to an old woman, a widow, who stays at the temple day and night, praying and fasting, and about an old man named Simeon who was promised that he would not die before seeing the savior. Both of these “seniors” were there in the temple, by God’s design and will to see the baby and recognize Him as the long awaited Messiah.
As the little movie comes to an end you see the beautiful silhouette of Joseph leading the donkey on which Mary, the mother of Jesus, sits. Though this was a very simple story it rings true in my heart, God does not give up on us so why should we give up on what God can accomplish through us at any age or station in life. Small One, though old and weak carried the Savior to the world and so can we.
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