“Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” Michael J. Graham, S.J.
Happy Monday!
What a beautiful weekend we had here in SoCA! It was the kind of weekend that brings people worldwide to enjoy the sun, surf, and snow. As we take advantage of the lovely spring weather, it’s time to dig out our sports gear, get outside for some fresh air, and give our minds a much-needed break. The clarity and energy we glean will help us greatly in the week ahead.
Over the weekend, a dear friend had a noteworthy birthday. It made me pause to think about her extraordinary capacity for love and celebrate her. She never tires of helping others and freely gives her time to those who benefit from her sweet spirit and life experiences. She lives a life of service and epitomizes compassion. I’m so delighted to call her my friend.
Sometimes, we think of service as a burden we must bear to be considered good people. That’s sad because service can be a rewarding way to share our gifts and talents and give of ourselves to help others in need. Suppose you’re in the Eaton Fire burn areas. In that case, you’ll see organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Worku Counseling, YMCA of the Foothills, and others who are literally and figuratively boots on the ground in their efforts to assist others. Service is a way of living your best life.
Fr. Michael S. Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University from 2001 to 2021, shared his thoughts on service:
Living a life of service requires commitment and sometimes sacrifice. Individuals like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa are prime examples of leading a sacrificial life of service. They lived extraordinary lives, and we learn much from their years of relentless pursuit of causes that were dear to them. They helped many through their transformational service and provided a roadmap to love and inclusion that is challenging to emulate.
Our reality most likely has a different complexion. We may not be called to sacrifice all our creature comforts and adopt an impoverished lifestyle, but we are called to show up with kindness, grace, and mercy for those needing our expertise. We are compelled to help our fellow man, as it were, by offering compassion, using our skills, and extending a listening ear when others are in need. Some form of sacrifice is generally involved but may not look like what we envision. We have a lot to offer in simply paying attention to the need and serving in the capacity we can.
It may involve visiting a sick friend or community member, organizing a fundraising event, requesting supplies from local merchants, and distributing those goods to individuals in need. At times, it can also include listening to others’ experiences while offering empathy and comfort. Serving others requires compassion, courage, and discipline.
Scripture has abundant references to service:
“Remember me, my God, concerning this. Don’t erase my good deeds that I have done for my God’s house and for its services.” Nehemiah 13:14 (CEB)
“Then, indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.” Hebrews 1:9 (NKJV)
“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience, and as for your works, the last are more than the first.” Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)
Here are a couple of other quotes that I found compelling:
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
“A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others’ lives.” Jackie Robinson
This week, as we’re walking around in the world, let’s begin to recognize the areas where we can be of service. Let’s also remain attentive to how service is offered to us, being gracious in receiving and grateful for the blessings. I’m confident that we’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results of our efforts!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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