I started a new job this week (praise the Lord for his provision) working with an elderly couple. To be honest, I came into the job a little proud. I was so thankful that God had provided the job, but I also realized the opportunity I had to serve and bless the couple I would be working with.
I came in thinking of all I had to offer - with a heart to serve, but not a heart to receive. How God has convicted me in this short time!
In this short week I have come to be amazed at the couple I am working with. They have had to be moved to their children's house and have done so with humility - not demanding of their children but allowing their children to serve them. They receive me and my offers of help with love and humility; they willingly accept the help I offer without a hint of resentment at the state of their condition.
All this I realized the first day or two. What I didn't realize until today was the legacy they've left. You see, for years they served as professors at CIU and the CIU alumni ministries asked people for notes to send to them. I spent time reading some of those notes today and realized that they've left a legacy and have impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of people's lives.
And they're graciously receiving my service. Today, I realized that I was just one more person they would minister to through the power of Christ.
And it hit me: do I realize that I can learn and be ministered to by ANY Christian (child, adult, elderly) or do I regulate to just the "special" Christians such as my pastor or known speakers?
Do I recognize that I will always have more to learn from others - that God will always have something to teach me through those around me - or am I only there to show my greatness and give?
Yikes. Surprising how pride can show up even in the act of "serving."
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