Albert Schweitzer was a remarkably gifted author, thinker, musician, and theologian. He could have excelled in any one of those areas. In fact, before he was 30, he was a respected writer on theology, an accomplished organist, and an authority on the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach. Instead, he chose to work in an African mission hospital as a doctor. He went to medical school for that purpose alone. For his many years of humanitarian efforts, Schweitzer was awarded the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. He used his $33,000 Nobel Prize to expand the hospital and to build a leper colony.

Speaking to a graduating class of college students, Schweitzer once said, “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”

I believe it. Here is someone of deep thought, tremendous intelligence, and integrity who practiced what he preached. I have also seen this played out over many years of ministry. Those who find a way to serve and give are by far the people most at peace.

Talking to his disciples, Jesus once said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11-12)

Schweitzer offered one further piece of advice: “Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.”

Beautiful!

Let us pray: Gracious God, you give, and you give, and you give. Your blessings rain down around us on every side. Thank you for creating us in your image. Thank you for the peace and joy that come with generous living. And thank you for people who inspire us to be the kind of people you created us to be. Today, we especially pray for those who give sacrificially to us. We lift up teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, women and men in the military and their families back home - and others who serve us regularly. Bless them, protect them, and give them your grace. Amen.