I received a small gift yesterday from a few friends found in the younger age category.  I could see the smile radiating from their eyes as they eagerly extended the little gift.  Their smiles were hidden behind masks.  The gift was a chain of beads which you can attach to each ear loop of a mask.  It allows you to remove your mask and not have to set it down anywhere. 

The giving of this little gift was an act of service. I was blessed to be on the receiving end. I am certain that those on the giving end also experienced a blessing because I believe what was being practiced in these young lives was 1 Peter 4:8, 10-11.

“Above all, love each other deeply…Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Love, which comes from Jesus, is expressed as we serve others.  To serve others is not always easy or natural.  During challenging days, it may be even more difficult to practice. It can be tough to “look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).  We find ourselves quickly attending to our own needs, especially in seasons of life when we ourselves may feel weak or discouraged, challenged or empty. We may find ourselves pulling back in the area of service because we are looking to be served.

Many acts of service, grown from love, were extended throughout a short outdoor lunch visit with my mom and dad a few days ago. The lunch was wonderful, and we were treated 😊! The conversation was so enjoyable, and this served up joy.  The chocolate chip cookie which came to our table via the server, because one sandwich was not delivered on time, was very yummy.  And, the quote my father ‘served’ me as food for thought was very meaningful and challenging at the same time.  It reminded me of the call to serve one another in love, a love that finds its origin in Jesus and when practiced glorifies Jesus (1 Peter 4:11).   Here it is:

Rivers do not drink their own water;

trees do not eat their own fruit;

the sun does not shine on itself,

and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. 

Living for others is a rule of nature. 

We are all born to help each other. 

No matter how difficult it is….

Life is good when you are happy

but much better when others are happy because of you.

- Pope Francis -

Made for each other, let us “serve one another in love” today (Galatians 5:13). May we live for another. Serve a stranger with a smile or greeting.  Serve someone in your home in an intentional or creative way.  Serve someone through phoning them or sending them a card.  In these days that may continue to bring discouragement to many we ask Jesus to fill us with his love.  Filled with his love may we extend service to others through our lives. Let us make someone else happy.

This song in our songbook, a Victorian children’s hymn, is one I had never read or heard.  The words are simple yet profound. 

644: God Make My Life A Little Light

1. God make my life a little light
Within the world to glow;
A little flame that burneth bright
Wherever I may go.

2. God make my life a little flower
That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower
Although the place be small.

3. God make my life a little song
That comforteth the sad,
That helpeth others to be strong
And makes the singer glad.

4. God make my life a little staff
Whereon the weak may rest,
That so what strength and health I have
May serve my neighbors best.

Jesus, you came to serve, not to be served.  With immeasurable love you gave your life for us. You laid down your life as an act of service for each of us.  You have taught us that to serve is to be great, but we admit today our tendency to look first at our own interests. Forgive us. By your Spirit, renew our love for you, so that we can express your love through serving others.  AMEN

With care and in prayer,