SERVICE
This past week, Isaiah (my 14yr old son) and I were making our almost nightly trip through the Dunkin Donuts drive -thru. OK I know, I know the title of this post is service and this seems a little self-serving, but stick with me I'll get there!!
Anyway, we pulled up to pick up our drinks and I noticed $3.87 flash on the little screen. I had already paid for our order so I figured this must be for the customer behind us. I knocked on the window and informed the employee that I would like to pay for the person behind me. He was a little flustered at first but he allowed me to pay, and we drove away enjoying our Pumpkin Latte.
Well, let me tell you that was the best pumpkin latte I've ever tasted. Now, I get one of these at least 3/week,but it never tasted quite so yummy. I believe that the reason it was so good was because my heart was so full. I couldn't believe it. I only spent an extra $3.87.
There have been so many times that I had wished that I had a great deal of disposable income, oh the things I would do. I would fulfill my daughter's dream of opening a Community Center, I would give exorbitant amounts of money to the causes close to my heart. I would open a soup kitchen, I would give to my family, the list goes on and on. You see, I always have wanted to serve others,but I've always wanted to serve them in a BIG way. It was something I was going to do one day.
I remembered a passage in the book of Matthew where Jesus says:
And the King will make answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
It doesn't say your works have to be big or monumental, they do not have to be life-changing. Anything, even a $3.87 coffee is service, If you do something for others, because He has laid it upon your heart, then you are doing it for HIM
I am grateful that those little red lights flashed $3.87, I am grateful that God laid on my heart, to pay for that order because had I been waiting for the right amount of money, or the right time in order to do something big, I would have missed an opportunity to serve someone else. That single act of service has filled my heart because I know that cup of coffee was an expression of God's love, even if that person in the car behind me had no idea.
Serve someone today,it doesn't have to be big or monumental, just a kind act, a hand up. or even a prayer sent their way. Trust me, you will be blessed!! I will forever remember the feeling of my $3.87 blessing!!
From a Thankful Heart,
Shelly
Beautifully written Shelly! I just wrote on my board before I left school yesterday "Never lose a chance to say a kind word." I try to post a new inspirational quote weekly. Now I will quote you next... "Serve someone today. It doesn't have to be big or monumental, just a kind act." LOVE IT!! (Love your blog too! And of course your goodies!! :-)
ReplyDeleteKaren Larnerd
Thanks so much Karen!!
DeleteSometimes, being a stay-at-home mom, I never felt like I was able to serve others. I always thought that someday I would do something big for someone. Now, I realize it's not about the big things, it's about ANYthing.
Thanks for visiting my Blog, hope you have a great School year.
Taylor comes home in 13 days for fall break ( but who's counting)
Shelly
Beautifully written!! And to think, if we all did these little things maybe, together, we could really change the world!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't that be amazing!!!
DeleteIt is because of my kids passion to serve that I am inspired to make a difference!!
That last comment was me !
ReplyDelete-Tara terry :)
You are the first of those kids <3
DeleteI love this post Shelly! This is the second time your posts showed up in my timeline on Facebook because Tara posted it. I've read both links and I knew that this blog was going to be something I was going to enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteI have consciously tried to give every single day since the beginning of this year. That might seem impossible but you already proved in your words that it isn't. By giving consciously, even if you simply hold the door or compliment someone consciously, the feeling of warmth and happiness will fill your heart.
I started this year reading a book called 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Could Change Your Life by Cami Walker. If you have a week (that's all it really takes to read this book), I highly recommend it. After researching happiness for months, I realized that being kind and giving was one of the major values I wanted to become part of my life on a regular basis.
I really loved your story of going to DD (which I miss so much living in San Antonio) and offering an unexpected gift to someone. With your site and baking I think that happiness you felt is about to happen so many more times.
I wish you so much success and most of all happiness while you get to do what you believe is your purpose. I look forward to reading much more.
Thanks So Much!!!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds great, I'll have to download it and maybe I can find the time to read it!! How awesome that you are making giving such a priority. It's really life-changing, isn't it? I just find so much peace and satisfaction in serving other people. Ok, usually its through food haha.
I really appreciate that you took the time to read my blog and to send me such an inspiring comment.
Keep Giving,
Shelly