Gratitude Day 475

Tues., June 15, 2020

Matthew 23:11 – The greatest among you will be the one who always serves others from the heart.

“A mission project is anything 30 miles from your house,” said Lyle, one of my seminary professors.

Lyle made this statement to remind us that mission work does not require going overseas, leaving the country, or even going to another state. It can be as simple as doing something for your neighbor … near or far.  

And sometimes, it’s serving a loved one by helping them out.

Hubby Rick has been working on a mission project the last week: drying walling at his son’s house. There are bonuses: getting to see grandkids on a regular basis, the feeling of helping someone out and being able to set your own hours.

Sometimes one of the kid’s helps out. Sometimes Hubby Rick’s wife cleans up behind or helps get pieces of drywall down into the basement. Sometimes there is an ice cream treat towards the end of the day.

For most people, there is great reward in serving someone else. The satisfaction of helping someone just for the sake of helping. The ability to improve a situation. The opportunity to add value to someone else’s life by sharing your gifts and talents.

Jesus made it very clear to the disciples: “The greatest folks around are the ones that serve from their heart.” Not expecting recognition in return. Or notoriety. Or special accolades. No, those who simply give have it right.

Just in case you think hanging drywall is the only way to serve, well, let me assure you there are lots of other opportunities. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Even in these days of limited contact with others, there are deeply meaningful ways we can bring joy into someone else’s life.

When I’m feeling a bit down or discouraged or disappointed, it is amazing how doing something for someone else can bring about an immediate attitude adjustment. When we look beyond our own challenges and discover that someone else has more difficult situations in their life, it is amazing how we can shift our attitudes. Perspective is always a great way to re-consider what’s going on in your life at the moment. And sometimes, oh, so necessary.

If you are feeling a little blue today, tomorrow or the next day, never fear. Simply take some of the despondent energy and put it towards serving someone else. You may be surprised how this affects you and your attitude!

And sometimes, post-drywall hanging involves walking the goats = double bonus!

For Hubby Rick’s reminder of service, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – so often, we circle in on what looks difficult in our little world. Encourage us to look beyond ourselves and see how we might impact another person’s life through service. Speak to us ways that we can enjoy helping another. Amen.

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