Service is a necessary part of life and without it we would loose our identities. Read that again. I know, at first glance it makes no sense. Gandhi backs me up on this, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." When we serve, we use our talents to bless others' lives. In turn, when serving properly, we grow eternally. We uncover talents we may not have known we have and build upon those we do possess. Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Sometimes a smile is the best service you can give. Service is simple. Service is love.
The words to this hymn are simple, yet poignant:
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad, or made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed."
Open your eyes, look around. You'll see it everywhere! Now, quietly participate. You will bring purpose and meaning to your life. Service is the overwhelmed couple at Church overflowing with love and patience for their special needs child. Service are the feeble hands and body of the 80-year-old man that comes to shovel my driveway. Service is 4 teenage boys driving around our neighborhood in the early hours of morning to shovel every driveway that has not already been done. Service is the woman that offers to take my children for a few hours because she knows I'm struggling on my own. Service is the young innocent child who crawls into bed and rubs your back when they know your exhausted. Service is the beautiful smile and encouraging words of the man who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. Service is the pure love of Christ and Christ is the ultimate example of loving, selfless service.
The "Team Hoyt" story has always been one of my favorites. A little closer to home though, is a story of my Grandpa that I have always loved hearing. I never knew Grandpa because he passed away before I was born but this story shows what kind of man he was. Years ago, when my Mother was a young girl, my Grandpa owned a store called the "Sawyer's Variety Store" One Christmas Eve a drunken man entered his store. He had no money to provide even a small Christmas for his children the next morning. Grandpa responded to this man by telling him to take what he wanted and needed for his family and the man could repay him later. Very grateful the man left and Grandpa knew he would never be paid for the things he gave the man but his heart was full of love and charity for this man. He greatly served with a willing heart.
"Then wake up and do something more...
Doing good is a pleasure,
a joy beyond measure,
a blessing of duty and love."
By serving others your relationships will grow and love will be nurtured for those whom you provide service. Serve in your home, and your community, in your work place, and for your country. Service is simple. Service is love.
"O God, open us up"
Open our eyes that we may see,
Open our ears that we might hear
Open our hearts that we might feel,
and then, O lord,
Open our hands that we might serve."
~Pastor Tom Pace; St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX
XOXO
