It happened one summer day when all three kids still lived at home. I’d been working at my desk for awhile and came out to the family room to find snack dishes and glasses here and there, Legos strewn across the floor, craft supplies littering the table, as well as bits of belongings strewn on the counter between kitchen and family room.
(At least it wasn’t THIS bad!)
At that moment one of those precious children asked, “Mom! Since you’re up, can you get me some ice for my glass?”
To be honest, the details of the above event are hidden in the dust of several decades. What I do remember clearly was my response to the perpetrators of a grand mess and a thoughtless request. In a sonorous tone worthy of Cinderella’s stepmother I announced:
“LISTEN! I am NOT your SERVANT!!”
No sooner had I barked that declaration, than the Holy Spirit seemed to whisper, “Oh yes, you are.”
I knew what he meant. Not what the three children would have liked—a personal maid to clean up after them and keep their things organized.
No, God was talking about denying myself in order to develop them. In that moment it meant (calmly!) directing them in a family room overhaul. Such a feat required some teeth-gritting, let me tell you.
Since those days, I’ve learned a few things to improve my attitude as I serve others, so Cinderella’s stepmother appears less often.
God actually makes it possible to embrace servanthood when we remember:
We’re serving Christ.
He sees the daily grind of discipline we expend on our kids, the messes others make that we clean up, the kindnesses we perform when no one’s looking, the work we do for the benefit of others. But we tend to forget our invisible audience of One [1].
We’d do well to remember:
The real test of a saint is not one’s willingness to preach the gospel, but one’s willingness to do something like washing the disciples’ feet [2].
Oswald Chambers
Second, nothing is insignificant when we’re serving God; no effort is wasted.
We might not see positive results from our efforts, but God promises our work on behalf of others will never be for nothing.
Ask someone, “Who was influential in your life?” and the answer will usually include a quiet, modest person who made themselves available, listened more than talked, hugged warmly, and joined in celebrating or grieving with loving interest–insignificant efforts in the eyes of some, but not to that one, and not to God.
In addition, God has designed us so serving others fosters great satisfaction—an actual rush of endorphins—as God fulfills another promise:
Third, small acts of service may result in a grand conclusion.
When men do anything for God, the very least thing, they never know where it will end nor what amount of work it will do for Him. Love’s secret, therefore, is to be always doing things for God, and not to mind because they are such very little ones.
Frederick W. Faber (1814-1863)
Alcoholic John Baker finally hit bottom when his wife told him to get counseling or leave. John left.
But soon he was attending AA meetings and finding his way back to sobriety, reconciliation with his wife, and God. The meetings were certainly helpful but other members mocked John when he revealed his Higher Power was Jesus.
Meanwhile, John’s reunited family began attending church and a Spirit-inspired idea began to form. What if there was a place where Christians could find healing from their hurts, hang-ups, and addictions?
With his pastor’s blessing (You may know him—Rick Warren!), John spent many hours preparing for his first group to complete a 12-week, 12-step program based on scripture. He included his own humble confessions.
Would anyone come?
Forty-three people attended. Now, thirty years later, 35,000 churches worldwide host Celebrate Recovery groups; over seven million people have been impacted.
And though John Baker unexpectedly graduated to heaven in February of this year, the grand conclusion of his work is still pending [3].
So is ours.
* * * * * * * * * *
O God, compel me to always be serving you—even in the least things—with passion and delight. Guide me to act wherever and whenever you desire, that I might be a part of your overarching purpose.
[1] Audience of One, a song made popular by Big Daddy Weave
[2] from My Utmost for His Highest
[3] https://celebraterecovery.com/about/history-of-cr ; https://www.celebraterecovery.co.uk/pastor-john-bakers-testimony/
From the Inside Out 
Those are great memories when the heat of emotion no longer clouds our minds. I remember and sometimes wistfully wish our boys were small again. But now we have the grandchildren to refresh our hearts!
Like many parents, I wish I could have a do-over of some moments! The second chance does come with the grandchildren, and you are so right: they certainly refresh our hearts. Thank you for stopping by Pastor Pete, and taking the time to comment!
Oh, what an inspiring story you have shared here, Nancy, as you have reminded all of us that no action we take, if done as a servant of the Lord, is ever done in vain. And we may never know the extent our one act of kindness, caring, listening, empathizing will go. We serve because Jesus has told us we must, and it’s the one thing that brings us closer to Him.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. You’ve added another reason we can embrace servanthood: it draws us closer to Christ. It IS a privilege to be used by the King of the universe, to achieve his grand purpose. Something to remember!
“… so Cinderella’s stepmother appears less often.” – love that. When I go to the gym, I have a habit of picking up dropped towels and other straightening up in the locker room. Something about leaving a place better than you found it (which I learned in the Boy Scouts a long time ago). But I like your explanation better. Just one of the countless ways God wants us to serve others before ourselves.
No doubt God smiles as you’re picking up those towels, Dave! Well done!
That was so well said, Nancy. I know I do so enjoy instant gratification, but the a lord is never in a hurry. He rewards when He is ready and He always gives good gifts
“He always gives good gifts”–strong truth to keep in mind as we work. Thank you, Brenda!
I agree with your views of life from the Lord’s perspective.In fact you are Absolutely correct because we have been created only to serve others on behalf of the Lord and I am able to say this because in the present world scenario the Lord is having mercy only on those who are ready to work truly for him otherwise he is granting a permanent holiday from this earth.No one is spared not even the wealthy and intellectuals.The Lord doesn’t value the so called rationalism of this world.Thank you very much for sharing.Take care.🌹🌹🙏🙏😊😊
You’ve brought to mind Jesus’ statement to his disciples that the world will know us by our love (John 13:35). Love is best shown through selfless service., isn’t it. Thank you for the reminder, Francis!
So nice of you madam.🌹🙏✝
Church message this past weekend emphasized that when we truly are accepting God’s love as the beloved, that love overflows to all around us. Thank you for your reminder of this.
You’re welcome, Donna, and you’re right! Our love for others comes from him (1 John 4:12). The more we know him and love him, the more we’ll be able to respond to others in love. Now it’s my turn to thank YOU for YOUR reminder! : )
inspirational story and yes yes we are serving Christ!! That mindset makes all the difference. Blessings on your weekend
Thank you, Jean. Prayed for you this morning and will continue to do so!
God does remind us that everything that we do is his. I love reading and re-reading “The Practice of the presence of God by Brother Lawrence. He clearly lets us know that if we do everything to the glory of God all will be well.
I too have been blessed by Brother Lawrence’s walk of faith as laid out in his book. Thank you for that closing statement: “If we do everything to the glory of God all will be well.” AMEN, my friend!
This was very encouraging to me today. Last night I found myself with Aaron by the toilet, patting his back while he threw up for some unknown reason. Then I cleaned up the mess. And the thought went through my mind that this unpleasant work was what Jesus did, except I don’t always handle it with the attitude that I should. I thought about how I should focus on serving Jesus in those moments. Not being able to read your blog until today was perfect timing! Thank you for letting Jesus use you to speak truth into my life. Blessings, Nancy.
You are a servant of the highest order, Patty–giving yourself day by day for the loving care of another. I am honored and praising God that these words here spoke truth into your life. (We both know where they came from–and the timing!)
God knows exactly what we need to hear. Thank you for letting Him use you in those ways. ❤️
This sort of ties in with one of my devotionals from last week. God reminded me of Philippians 2:3-4 where we are to put others before ourselves. Doing so will definitely enhance ones JOY! (J = Jesus first; O = Others second; Y = Yourself (myself) last.) This take on JOY is something I learned as a child and have never forgotten! Blessing to you and Steve!
I remember that acronym! I’m glad you mentioned it, because it does highlight the way to joy. Thank you, Cheri!
Nancy, such a touching story. I am a single father, and have those days too.
Oh, God BLESS you, Frederick! You are a hero for parenting solo. I’m glad you found the tale of my less-than-stellar mothering-moment “touching!” And thank you very much for becoming a follower here. I pray you’ll find the posts meaningful whenever you’re able to visit.
This such a beautiful post Nancy, once I was also fed up taking care of everyone and everything around me, I used to often question why can’t husbands do all this we are the same species after all, but then I realized women should never compare themselves with men, women are made with a bigger heart, mighty spirit, and your post is such a beautiful ode to why we are special and we should keep that magnanimity alive.
Thank you, Malaika. I’m all for the men pitching in to help with household chores and taking care of or disciplining the children! My husband has exemplified servant leadership throughout our years of marriage, lived out as he’s cooked, washed dishes, done laundry–whatever’s needed. But you’re right–we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others, including our husbands. It’s the differences in personality, preferences, gifts and talents, etc. that contribute to balance in a relationship and in a home.
And yeah through God and in service.💞🙏🙂
You’re so right Malaika. Apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5!) Thank you very much for stopping by AND for becoming a follower. I am honored!
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I have come back to read this post a couple of times because it is so good! God blesses the work of our hands and hearts. The little things matter and God does not waste anything!
AMEN and well said, Linda. I’m honored you found the post worthy of a couple of reads. Praise God for his inspiration, and the suggestions of my Writers’ Group! (God inspired them too, no doubt! : ) ) Thank you also for becoming a follower, Linda. I pray you’ll find the posts meaningful whenever you’re able to visit!