Friday, June 5
You are my servant.
—Isaiah 44:21
As much as we look forward to and appreciate such moments,
they are like a beautiful fog floating up from the ocean that, once enjoyed,
slowly dissolves in the sunlight.
As refreshing as it is to be the
center of attention, our souls are
misshapen until we are given the
opportunity to serve. When we look deeply at what nourishes our
being, we'll find a kernel of compassion that flourishes and grows when we
serve others. We may not know who to serve or how to
serve, but the compassion that God has given us longs to burst forth with
fruit.
When we accept servant identity, we immediately find our
hearts opening to the needs of those around us. Perhaps they are
hungry or thirsty. Perhaps they need a shoulder to cry on, or an
ear willing to listen to their troubles. Perhaps they are lonely,
afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed. Perhaps they need data,
resources, or simple reassurance. Perhaps they need to feel
loved.
What is clear is this:
In the moment that we become a servant to them, we find our own soul as full as a cherry tree at picking time.
Gracious God, water the kernel of compassion within me and let me feel the fullness that descends when the kernel breaks into beautiful bloom.
