Selfless Serving

   After my surgery in February, physical therapy was prescribed by the doctor for three days a week, lasting four to six weeks. Forty-five minutes of exercise during these sessions helped build up bone, muscles and tissues damaged after falling down on the cement driveway and breaking my left hip.

   Al was my chauffeur to the PT center, which was only about fifteen minutes away from home. He would drop me off at the front entrance and continue on to run errands or go shopping at a nearby department store. Most mornings a friendly “greeter” standing just outside the entry way would open the car door and assist me in getting out of the car, always with a big smile and a hearty “hello!”

   Even when it was pouring down rain the gentleman, a senior himself, would be waiting outside, covered from head to toe in a big poncho, still smiling and ready to help others. Snow on the ground? Bruce the greeter was there, lending a hand to people and making sure that no one slipped on the ice.

   When small transit buses would pull up in front of the building, he would be at the door helping people get down the steps and make it safely into the building. If someone needed extra assistance, Bruce would accompany him or her inside down the long hallway to the right station.

   One morning when we drove up to the front door, Bruce wasn’t standing in his usual place. Because the previous day been cold and blustery, I stopped by the front desk to find out if he was sick. The staff person there told me that he was fine, but was just transporting someone in a wheelchair.

   The week I finished my therapy sessions, he was on vacation in North Carolina, visiting his daughter and escaping the cold weather for awhile. Another man, probably forty years younger, had been hired to take Bruce’s place. Too bad I didn’t get to say ‘good-bye’ and thank him for serving people with so much joy and selflessness. Sure he was getting a salary, but that didn’t mean he had to be friendly, smile and go out of his way to help the clients coming into the therapy center, especially when it involved standing out in the rain all day.

   Selfless individuals—we all know them and appreciate the way they serve others without complaining. My own husband is like that, for example, bringing me a cup of hot tea every morning, driving me around town and taking care of the dogs as well as caring for me during this time of rehabilitation. Al says that it is his ‘joy.’  What a blessing he is!

   Think of Jesus, how He went through the agony of the cross out of love for all people knowing that many of them would ignore, reject or even despise Him. May we become more like Him, choosing to put ourselves aside and to serve others with love and joy.

    Father, thank you for those who are selfless and especially for your dear Son who gave freely, not holding anything back, that we might have eternal life. Please help us to give our lives to you and to willingly serve others. May you receive all of the glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

   “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 4:10-11a NIV

   “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:10b NIV

                        

                    Saturday morning pancakes...made by Grandpa Al and Elliot (6)