(at least for me) is SERVICE.
Service seems to be a topic for discussion lately as I've heard many references. I think we all do more service than we realize......whether it be at church, school, for friends or family or in the community. I don't think we often recognize the things we do as service. Volunteering at school is something I love to do and therefore don't categorize it as "service." This caused me to think about why the word and concept that is service has a negative connotation. It should conjure up positive images, rather than inducing the mental "uuuugh" that often accompanies the mention of service.
Why is it so easy to give service and so difficult to be the recipient? We can't ALL be the givers of service because who then would be the recipients? A kind visiting teacher once cleaned my bathroom when I was on bedrest with Anna. Instead of feeling grateful, I felt mortified the entire time she was there. I resolved as I watched her cleaning my vent screens that I would never again tell anyone anything I needed....that I could "do it myself." This attitude wasn't the best choice. Many great friendships and bonds come from serving one another and I've denied myself that privilege.
I've ascertained that I need to change my attitude toward receiving service and sometimes toward giving it as well. Both changes require getting out of my comfort zone, but it will be worth it.
My mom always said that the quickest way to feel happy is to look for one way each day to serve someone. As a mom, I have opportunity to do this daily, but that is in my comfort zone. I need to be more open to helping others.....but if others are like me and don't like to share areas of need, how is this accomplished? Any ideas?
Great reminder! Why, why, why do we struggle so much with this? Thanks for sharing your insights. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of volunteering as service either because it's fun.
ReplyDeleteService really does have a negative view. I'll have to work on that too. We always think of service as cleaning someone's gross yard or house that they haven't cleaned in a decade. I did a service yesterday though. I took a library book I found at the ballet studio back to the library. They said that it was overdue. Surprise to the person who checked it out!