A Life of Service

My daughters Melanie and Katie, with grandsons Jonah and Nathan, and my sister Margaret.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 NIV

 

 

Today's blog post is dedicated to mothers everywhere, and to those who dedicate their lives in the service of others.  This meditation is an excerpt from my devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments, which will release in July from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.  I hope you enjoy this preview.

 

I remember the time, some twenty or so years ago, when my little children revolved around me like the planets circle the sun. I felt like I was holding them all in place, but God was holding us all. He was ever present.

One especially exhausting day, as I was changing a diaper and hurriedly juggling many tasks, I said aloud in exasperation, “I don’t have a life!”

Without hesitation, the Lord responded emphatically to my words. In my spirit, I heard: No, you don’t have a life. Didn’t I tell you that whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it?

These words came directly to me, personal and real—interjected into my train of thought by a voice of authority.

At that moment I knew the Lord had spoken to me. I realized I was doing exactly what He wanted me to do; I was taking care of the needs of my family. My service to them was not an obligation, but a holy calling; a vocation to serve the needs of those in my care.

 

Jesus became a servant to all, taking on the form of a servant in his earthly life. His service was love in action. His selfless love, for our redemption and God’s glory, is a model for all believers. It is with this same spirit that we can dedicate our lives to His service and, by so doing, we are strengthened to give of ourselves to others, in our families and beyond, as we go about our everyday lives.

 

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques ~ Collage of Life

 

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 1 Corinthians 9:19.

Dear Lord, I want to be at your service, doing whatever it is that you have called me to do this day. Strengthen me to serve those in my care. Give me the love I need to put into my actions. Show me the tasks you have called me to do, that I might live my life for Your glory. Amen.

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  I'm glad you've made this a part of your day.  Please consider leaving a comment below.  I'd love to hear from you. 

 

And it's not too late to leave a comment on the previous post which features author Cynthia Ruchti.  On Saturday, one of the readers who leaves a comment will win a free copy of her book, When the Morning Glory Blooms.