For August 20th:

“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciple’s feet.” John 13:5.

His disciples were certainly capable of washing their own feet, but in everything Jesus did he was setting an example, showing them how to love one another, how to look for and fill a need, how to humble themselves before others……how to serve. 

One of several definitions of the word serve in Webster’s dictionary is:  “to render obedience and worship to God.”  For many years I did not know how to begin to serve others.  I must admit I was a little fearful.  It meant giving a part of myself to others.  The first step in anything new can be the hardest, so I began my journey into service by taking baby steps.

I started sending cards with a personal note and a scripture from God’s Holy Word to someone ill or bereaved, or just someone I had not seen for a while to say I miss you.  I moved on to face to face service.  I took a loaf of freshly baked bread to a new neighbor that I had failed to welcome into the neighborhood.  Another neighbor that was a shut-in received a bouquet of fresh flowers from my yard.  I visited a friend that had been confined to a nursing home for many years, hoping he would remember me.  He did. 

Finally I began to volunteer in one of the many opportunities offered by the church, the Angel Food Ministry.  There I began to witness some of the real needs that surrounded me in my very own community.  I got to know many of the families and life stories of the recipients of the Angel Food.  They were people that needed not just food, but the knowledge that someone cared.  Many would leave with smiles on their faces, many with tears in their eyes, and many would not leave without giving someone a thank you hug. 

The opportunities for service are endless.  Begin where you are and God will lead you to where he desires you to be.  When we serve others, we serve the Lord.  Tell someone today that “Jesus Loves You”!

Jeanette Walker