"Yes, Pearl," said her mother. "You may have a royal tea party, soon. How about next month? You may have a short menu for your guests."

Yay! thought Pearl. My very first Royal Tea Party! Then she said, "“But Queen Motheer, what if I want scones AND soup and cookies and brownies and koolaid? Or lemonade? Or, can we have cokes?"

“Well, Princess, it’s your royal decision. After all, you are the Princess! Just do whatever you think is best to serve your delightful guests. Also, I doubt they serve sodas at a Royal Tea Party in the palace, hmm? Also, you can learn to cook whatever you will serve.”

“But isn’t that what servants are for?” Pearl said, with a bit of an attitude.

There was a pause, a silence, and Peal thought, Oops! I have misspoken!

She was sure of it when Queen Mother bent down to look her in the eye.
With a slight edge in her voice, her mother said, “I have a question for you, Princess Pearl.”

“Yes, Mother dear?” Princess Pearl hoped the addition of “dear” would somewhat soften Queen Mother’s heart.

“Who was the greatest Servant of all?”

Pearl felt relief. She knew the answer. “Why, yes ma’am," she said politely, and smiled. "The greatest Servant was Jesus, of course.” She smiled again, and hoped to coax a smile from Queen Mother.

But no smile came. Instead Queen Mother’s voice grew stronger as she said, “You are absolutely right. He was the greatest Servant of all. He not only obeyed God the Father and gave His holy life on the cross as payment for the wrongs of us all, but He washed the very dirty feet of His disciples--and told them to do the same. He was the greatest Servant. He decided to serve, to please God the Father, and to save us. And He was and is the King!”

Queen Mother turned away and continued to unload the dishwasher.

In that moment, Princess Pearl understood. Oh, I got it, Jesus! If You, the King of kings served others, then I should too! But of course! So now, I make The Royal Decision to be like You, LORD, and serve others!

Pearl hugged her dear mom, who hugged her back. Thank You, LORD, for my very wise mother, who truly serves You!

She genlty tapped her mother's arm. “Mother dear, may I help you?” she asked.

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.