What a weekend we just had! Our son, his wife, and three of their daughters were here all weekend. It was a houseful, and it was never-ending activity. It reminded me that there truly is a reason that God gives babies to us when we are young. No lie!

As our family headed back to Louisiana, Gaylon and I scurried for several hours doing laundry, cleaning, and getting our house back to normal. When we were done, we plopped in exhaustion. But not once did we regret serving our family. Gaylon said to me, “I am so glad they came to visit.”

Let me give you a few truths:

1. It was worth every minute to serve our family, and to build memories with those grandchildren. I took one granddaughter out on a solo date for lunch and a little shopping. She was so happy. To hear the joy in her voice and to have her talk incessantly with me was worth every minute. She said, “I had the best time with you.”
2. Gaylon was able to attend a football game with his sons and grandsons. Their ages ranged from nine to seventy-seven. They all celebrated the big win together with big smiles. That time together will always be remembered.
3. Other than Jesus, the most important relationships we can have are those with family. As much as you can, hang out with those you love. Leave a legacy of wonderful memories with them. (I realize there are times and circumstances that inhibit familial relationships, but, when possible, go overboard to be with family.)
4. As I fell into my chair, I smiled internally, remembering Acts 20:35, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Jesus was the epitome of servanthood. He was the Son of God, yet He said that He did not come to be served but to serve. The statement can be found Matthew 20:28. Jesus made this statement to his disciples, who were arguing about who would be the greatest among them. He explained that the way of God’s kingdom is opposite to the way of worldly power; instead of lording over others, one must be a servant to be great. 

Mother Teresa, one of the greatest servants of all time, once said, “We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.” God is not asking us to change the world, but to help change someone’s world. We can do this by serving the person that He has put in front of us this moment…and then the next…and then the next.

Find someone to bless this week. Take a meal to someone. Invite a senior citizen to coffee or lunch. Write a note, not a text, an actual note to encourage someone. Offer to babysit for a single parent to allow them an evening out. Volunteer at a school. Find a way to bless your local church. Offer a listening ear.

We may never know the impact of our service to God in this life, but we can trust His Word when He says in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Living a life of service is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. By serving others, we can make a difference in their lives and bring hope and light to a world that often feels dark and hopeless.

Are you willing to be a servant? We are never more Christ-like than when we serve.