Serving

²⁵ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant - Matthew 20:25-26


It's human nature to want the place of honor... to want to be the boss rather than the worker... the officer instead of the private... the master rather than the servant.  But once again, Jesus turns human nature upside down.  He wants us to want the opposite.  It just doesn't make sense that serving would be enjoyable.


But ask anyone who does it on a regular basis... it's almost addictive.  What joy it especially is to serve those who don't expect to be served... the homeless, the poverty stricken, the imprisoned.... or MOMS!  Busy moms are used to serving, but put them on a Via de Cristo weekend where their every need is met and at first they are very uncomfortable with being served.  They just aren't used to it.  But after a while they are smiling and relaxed.  It is such a joy to be part of the reason they are smiling and relaxed... just by bringing them a cup of coffee or making their bed in the morning.


If only it were easier to bring these weekend servant hearts out into the real world.  The minute we come down from the mountaintop, most of us get sucked right back into the "real" world of competition and struggle.  What would the world be like if we LET our co-worker have that big promotion we would otherwise compete for?  What if we gave our next raise to someone who needed it a little more?  We could make the lives of those whose job it is to serve us easier by bagging our own groceries for the cashier or stacking our plates for the waitress.


Be a servant today for someone who least expects it.  The bigger the service, the greater the joy... I guarantee it!


Lord Jesus,
Help us to serve as you served - with humbleness of heart and a deep love for others.  Amen.


Joys:  watching a video of my 7-month-old nephew learning to swim and loving it!; Kevin volunteering to get my car inspected for me; keeping a blessings list.