Joy in Serving Others

Many years ago now, there was an article front page of the Florida Times Union, about a woman Barbara Gilbert. At that time she was a single mom, a part-time college student, and a waitress. She was working two part-time jobs just to pay rent. 

Somehow, Barbara came to hear about folks in Jamaica who have almost nothing, people who were living in shacks. She also learned that for about $2,000 you could build a pretty decent 12’ by 12’ home down there. And for another $500, you could furnish it. So she decided she was going to do it. Her kids, of course, thought their mom was crazy. They told her, “You’re poor yourself.” But she did it. She saved $200 a month until she had the money. She then gave somebody else, somebody she had never even met, the gift of a home. 

Her story is inspiring! 

So often I get caught up in my own problems and issues that I can’t even begin to think about others who have so much less. I so often forget that in moving beyond myself, and in reaching out to help others, there is great joy, healing, and redemption. I believe that’s what Jesus meant when he said, “Those who want to find their lives must lose them.”

Let us pray: God of mercy, we don’t have to look far to see a tremendous need in the world around us. And, we don’t have to look far to see how much we have to give. You have blessed us richly. We thank you for Barbara and others who inspire us by their actions. May their deep joy in giving bring you glory and praise. And may their examples stir our souls and move us to serve. Amen.