Service

I never thought of myself as a service-oriented person.  I can always think of ways to serve others outside of the home, but rarely seem to follow through with it.  Then when it comes to serving within our home, particularly for my husband, I seem to be stumped on ideas.  Sometimes when I do get ideas, I wonder if it would really even benefit the person.

For instance, does visiting a friend, or even a stranger, really uplift their spirit or is it exhausting for them when they're already burdened with poor health, heartache or other hardships?  When I think to give such service, I imagine its just a burden on them.  Yet, when I receive such service its so clear to me how much is gained from a loving visit.

Over the last two weeks, I have been the recipient of great services.  Some were merely offers for service that touched my heart more than the person would ever be able to realize (like the call from a friend in the Arby's drive-thru wanting to know if I wanted anything).  It's made me re-evaluate the impact of an act of service.

I've received great monetary gifts in my life.  Gifts that I use daily, treasure greatly, and warm my heart.  But no monetary gift has brought me more over-whelming joy than that of someone's kind deed of service.  The last time I was on bed rest was another time in my life where I was flooded with kind deeds.  Each one of those deeds still stands out in my mind and touches my heart.

These services have inspired me to re-dedicate myself to being more service-oriented.  The acts I have in mind may not seem huge but my prayer is that they will be acts as special and meaningful as the ones I've received; a visit with a friend, a meal brought, a ride given, a baby-sitting offer, a card, a plate of treats, etc.

"We become what we want to be by consistently being want we want to become each day."
- Richard G. Scott