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Health & Fitness

SERVING

A thought on the subject of "serving," from Rev. Ben Black, pastor of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church:

A story I read recently told of a student at a Bible school in the Philippines who became disturbed over the condition of the men’s rest rooms, since they always seemed to be neglected in the cleaning routine. When nothing was done to eliminate the filth, he took matters into his own hands and complained to the principal of the school. 

A little later, the student noticed that the problem was being corrected, but he saw with amazement that the man with the mop and pail in hand was the principal himself! Later the student commented, "I thought that he would call a janitor, but he cleaned the toilets himself. It was a major lesson to me on being a servant and, of course, it raised a question in my own mind as to why I hadn’t taken care of the problem!"

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You can tell a lot about a person by their willingness to serve. Recently, I have been the recipient of many blessings from selfless service from dear friends. My wife delivered our first child June 27th. The process has been incredible, but what has been equally life changing is the blessings we have received along the way. Over the past months, as my wife has progressed, we have both been running around getting the house ready, assembling cribs and pack & plays, painting the nursery, and all of the other baby prep work that is required to welcome an infant into your daily life. While we have been hard at work in getting the house and nursery ready, I have to admit that I have neglected some other things around the house. Bushes had gone un-pruned, weeds un-pulled, ivy left un-checked, and garden beds left un-planted.

Several weeks ago someone in the church came to me and asked if there was anything they could do to help around our house. My mind instantly went to the mile-long list of work that has been left undone and said we could use some help outside! Shortly after that conversation, plans were laid and the jungle around my property was restored to a front lawn and a back patio. It meant more than I can put into words that a score of people would be willing to sacrifice hours on a free day, with temperatures in the mid-eighties to pull weeds, mow the lawn, and trim back bushes. But that is what they did.

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It may not sound like a lot, but it left an impact upon both my wife and I. Since the birth of our little girl we have continued to receive blessings through meals and guidance. Actions can speak volumes about a person. Our willingness to do even simple tasks display genuine care and love in ways that words might never be able to express. Never underestimate how much your gift of a willing spirit will go to transform someone’s life as they navigate uncharted waters. My challenge for you is to look for ways in your life to bless someone by doing a simple act of service to show your love for them. It will not go unforgotten and could bless them more than you might ever know. Don’t wait for them to ask, because they probably won’t. Instead ask them "what can I do for you" and open the doors to be a blessing in the midst of their time of need.

Ben Black

(Sunday Reflections for July 7th, 2013)

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