Serving Others

There are many places in the Bible where we are told to serve one another. Galatians 5:13-14 is one of my favorites: For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

When I was young, I had grand ideas about what it meant to love your neighbor or to serve God and one another. Serving as a missionary in a foreign country. Becoming a pastor's wife or a pastor myself. Being a Mother Teresa woman. Something noteworthy. Something important.

Instead, I have spent a life teaching and raising children. "My" kids number in the hundreds. I even won a few awards, but it was nothing like I anticipated for myself. And I don't think my life's service is going to change greatly before I arrive home with Jesus... my youngest kiddos are 5, 6, and 13!

So, did I miss God's call for me? Did I somehow neglect to see my moment? I did become a pastor's wife, but I hardly have time to contribute to his ministry...sometimes I wonder these things.

Then, this morning, I returned home from a walk and saw this on the counter. Totally mundane. A water bottle that I carry with me most everywhere.

But...when I left for my walk it was almost empty. And when I returned, it was full of icy-goodness! This is an act of service from my husband. He often fills my water bottle. And every single time, it brings me joy. It fills me with joy because I love ice water and my husband loves me. This is only one of the many ways in which Brad serves me as his wife.

Today, this small act of service clearly spoke to me. If Brad is serving God by filling my water bottle, surely I am serving God in doing laundry and cooking meals! My leading devotions around our homeschool table matters. Teaching scores of children to read counts. Holding a hurting child is significant. The magnitude of what I'm doing and have done is not enormous, but this is what God has called me to.

So, I say to you, Christian, do your work. Large or small, grand or commonplace, it doesn't matter. Some are called to preach on a world stage. Some are called to make sure the church has enough coffee. Be faithful in your life work. What God has called you to, He will bless you in.

And, oh, am I blessed!
Amen