I learned the value of serving others in high school. Our youth group took summer mission trips to Mountain TOP in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee. We would spend a week swinging hammers, running power saws, painting and doing yard work. Yes, high schoolers learned to use power tools.
This started a tradition of annually participating in mission work in some way for over two decades. I had quickly learned that every time I participated in serving others I gained something as well. I have learned about gratitude, vulnerability, contentment and so much more. I learned that it wasn’t about those I served becoming like me. It was about sharing the love of Christ. And, when it is shared, it is reciprocated.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25: 34-40 NIV).
After a rather lengthy hiatus, I was able to participate in building a ramp for a person with mobility needs. We brought ease and safety to his life. He reminded me of the simple things I take for granted. He reminded me that I can be content with so much less. He reminded me of the joy in helping my neighbor.
When I give, I receive. How about you? How do reach out to the least of these? How do you participate in serving others? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.