I missed catching the oldest son in the act of wrapping up the food

     The sound of aluminum foil being tugged is heard upstairs as he pulls the shining covering across the plate.  It crinkles quietly as he folds the foil around the edges.  The refrigerator door opens gently and the dish of left overs from dinner clinks against the shelf.  Quietly, the door closes as he picks up Corning Ware baking dish in which the chicken was cooked.  Tongs slide across the white tempered finish as he runs the baking pan under water to rinse off residue and soak burnt-on chicken.
      I marvel at this miracle of service, one I never taught our oldest son, but one he has acquired just recently.  He’s an immense help.  His sense of service seems to have developed recently because I am occupied after dinner writing a post for my blog. 
     As I look at the characteristics of God whether modeled in the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit–service is one that Jesus spoke about to His disciples frequently.

      “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave–just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:26b&27


     The words still echo in my mind from my first grade memorization–words that bring comfort and direction.
We were made to know, love, and serve God.  And one of the main ways we serve God is in serving each other.
     In Galatians 5:13, Paul exhorts us to use our new-found freedom in Christ to serve one another.  And in Ephesians 6:8, he encourages us to serve one another wholeheartedly as if we were serving the Lord, not men.  In 1Peter, the “Rock” tells us to use whatever gift or talent the Lord has given us to serve others.  References to service abound in 1Peter 4 and 5. 
     
      My heart is warmed by my eldest’s small act of service and the mother grin is stretched across my face.  I have been blessed.  And isn’t that God’s intention in service.  To anoint another’s heart with blessings that His grace may be given and He may be praised (1Peter4:10&11)

     How many ways have you found to serve the Lord?  Do you have a favorite Scripture on service?