Last week I had the privilege of spending time with my family at an all inclusive resort. Basically I spent a week enjoying the sun, beach, my family and being served. My every desire was taken care of throughout this week.
As the week was about half way through I began to notice that the staff was extremely attentive and often anticipated my needs. If I dropped something someone quickly picked it up - if my glass was empty it got filled - well you get the idea. This was a great contrast to a person who is used to serving others.
There are several observations I would make out of this experience.
First, I was resistant to being waited on at first. As the days went on it felt good and I relaxed and let it happen. This was a good reminder that as I serve my neighbor in mission they may at first be resistance but if I keep at it they will relax, know that I mean no harm and even relax and enjoy.
Second, at the beginning of the week I did not notice those serving me but as time progressed I began to realize how amazing it was there were so many people concerned about my needs. I also felt comforted knowing there was not anything I might face that week where I would have to solve it myself. This also seems applicable in the work we do as the church in serving our mission field.
Third, by the end of the week I relaxed and felt special. When we are cared for by others we can relax and we are reminded how special we are in God's eyes. I think it would be awesome to give each person in our mission field a reason to relax and remember they are special in God's eyes and in our lives.
There are many of us who spend our lives intently looking for ways to serve others. After last week I understand the need for each of us to have a time like I did last week. I am not alone on this journey and I am indeed special in God's eyes. Serving others takes patience as they trust our motives.
Peace, Leila
As the week was about half way through I began to notice that the staff was extremely attentive and often anticipated my needs. If I dropped something someone quickly picked it up - if my glass was empty it got filled - well you get the idea. This was a great contrast to a person who is used to serving others.
There are several observations I would make out of this experience.
First, I was resistant to being waited on at first. As the days went on it felt good and I relaxed and let it happen. This was a good reminder that as I serve my neighbor in mission they may at first be resistance but if I keep at it they will relax, know that I mean no harm and even relax and enjoy.
Second, at the beginning of the week I did not notice those serving me but as time progressed I began to realize how amazing it was there were so many people concerned about my needs. I also felt comforted knowing there was not anything I might face that week where I would have to solve it myself. This also seems applicable in the work we do as the church in serving our mission field.
Third, by the end of the week I relaxed and felt special. When we are cared for by others we can relax and we are reminded how special we are in God's eyes. I think it would be awesome to give each person in our mission field a reason to relax and remember they are special in God's eyes and in our lives.
There are many of us who spend our lives intently looking for ways to serve others. After last week I understand the need for each of us to have a time like I did last week. I am not alone on this journey and I am indeed special in God's eyes. Serving others takes patience as they trust our motives.
Peace, Leila
Sounds kinda like Walk to Emmaus
ReplyDeleteAnd as both a giver and a receiver, I realize that in receiving I am in fact "giving" to those who are serving or giving to me. Is it just one big circle?
ReplyDelete