Serving Others

by Michele Boy | September 1, 2022

This morning I noticed the newspaper’s byline has been “The Voice of Hamilton County since 1885.” I don’t like it. Today I switched it to “Serving Hamilton county since 1885.” I think it suits the newspaper’s ideal better. 
  A couple of days ago a man came in to the office that had some struggles. He had slept in a ditch the night before and had no tops to his shoes. I didn’t have a lot to offer but I wanted him to feel dignity and heard. I hope he felt that. 
  It made me think how are we treating our customers or those in our lives. Are we serving or seeking to be served?
If someone walks in one of our businesses in town and feels put off, did we serve them?
We always say thank a veteran but do we thank our police officers and teachers? Bus drivers? Or do we demand more? 
I was excited to hear a bus driver share a smile because a child made them a gift. A teacher shared how thoughtful it was that a mom made her a gift.
  Honestly I am terrible at that. I want to get a teacher something but then I feel bad and feel like I should get all the teachers something. And what about the paras and the support staff. So I end up overwhelmed and don’t get anyone anything. Sigh. 
   I watched a video of someone discussing their vices and how when they prayed they realized that God put it on her heart that her choices were selfish. And that her true value was serving. And she was a happier person for it. 
  I don’t think that means we don’t take care of our needs. We can’t serve from empty cups so sometimes we need to serve ourselves and refresh!
The other night I was wide awake and I turned on a preacher who said in the middle of our struggle we will ask God for help but He really wants us to come to Him sooner. 
Example - If I am standing at the freezer section picking out ice cream it’s a little late for me to be asking God for help. He may be able to, but the urge has already taken over.  My chance for success is much more limited than if I had a plan before I got to the store.  
 The preacher went on to say if I give God five minutes of my day, that gives the devil 23 hours and 55 minutes to work.
That hit me. I have been so busy this last year I haven’t spent a ton of time in His word. 
And I admit I haven’t stopped long to pray  for others, asking God how can I serve, truly diving in the word? 
  We all have stages in our lives. When I was single I had a lot more time to study. So I am grateful I have been blessed with a beautiful family and much to do.
   But there are so many hurting people. So many in need. How are we serving others?
A senior at the high school shared how she is helping mentor a younger student and how wonderful it makes her feel. 
Maybe in all our busyness we can find a way to serve, to ask God for His discernment. Maybe we can smile at our next customer, offer a hand to a hurting soul. Maybe we can stop and say thank you God.
  Kallam Reddy said, “Everyone has a purpose in life and a unique talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.”