To serve: the action of doing something generous for someone else that shows favour, kindness and assistance; a willingness to lend a helping hand.
I recently read a book that talked about the importance of discipline and commitment. This book discussed some studies that prove how reading everyday is an invaluable exercise in training and sharpening one’s mind. It went on to discuss how training the mind involves working at something in such a specific way that it reshapes one’s thinking and creates unforgettable habit in one’s life.
Which got me thinking.
Could these same principles not be applied to the area of serving – to train our eyes to see what’s really going on in the world and to train our hearts to respond?
Take last week for example.
My boys and I had just been discussing what it means to “keep your eyes open to opportunity” when my eldest spotted a lady whose grocery bag had ripped open. Before I even knew what was happening he had bolted across the parking lot to help her collect the soup cans that had rolled under the cars.
Later that day we talked about how helping other people looks and feels a lot like playing the “I spy” game.
I spy… with my little eye… someone who needs help.
Christmas is the perfect time to play “I Spy.”
To focus our minds.
To observe with our hearts.
To be willing and open to respond with acts of love and service.
”God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10
Christmas idea: shovel your neighbors driveway; hold open the door for someone, volunteer at an organization… or simply keep your eyes open in any given parking lot. You just never know when the opportunity to serve will present itself. And when it does, respond.
Christmas prayer: Thank you Lord for the service You showed me when You willingly died on the cross for my sins. It was the ultimate act of service and I’m forever grateful for such unconditional love. Use my life this holiday season to see those whom others easily overlook. Use my life to exemplify Your unconditional love. Use my life to respond in ways that will spread love and hope through acts of selfless service. Open my heart to willingness and my mind to response as I walk in step with your Spirit this Christmas. Amen.
